After a hot start to August (aided by a trip to Coors Field), the Pittsburgh Pirates’ offense has fallen back into a rut over the last two weeks. The Pirates have scored only 35 runs over their last 12 games, averaging 2.9 runs per game and going 3-9 during that span.
Unfortunately, that’s been a theme for Pittsburgh this season. The Pirates have one of the least productive lineups in baseball, ranking last in MLB in runs per game (3.5), home runs (88), slugging percentage (.346) and OPS (.648).
One reason why is their glaring lack of star power. Entering play on Monday, they don’t have a single hitter with an above-average OPS. Nick Gonzales leads the team with a .717 mark, which is exactly league average (100 OPS+) after adjusting for league and park.
If that holds, they’ll become the first team since the start of the 20th century without an above-average hitter on their roster.
Granted, part of that is due to down seasons by Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds and others, but it’s still an alarming stat. Pittsburgh simply needs more quality bats in its lineup, especially star hitters who can carry an offense and hit the ball over the fence.
Story continues below advertisement
Reynolds, Andrew McCutchen and Tommy Pham are all in their 30s, so they’re not getting any younger. Cruz has shown promise in the past, but this year has been a step back for him.
Top prospect Konnor Griffin looks capable of anchoring the Pirates’ lineup for years to come, but he probably won’t debut until next year at the earliest and may need time to adjust when he arrives.
Accordingly, acquiring impact bats has to be Pittsburgh’s top priority this offseason. The Pirates already have a great young starting rotation to build around, but they must score more runs if they want to contend in 2026.
Story continues below advertisement
More Pirates: What Multi-Time Cy Young Winner Wants To See From Pirates’ Paul Skenes
Featured image via John Froschauer/Imagn Images