Another Challenging Season
The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled significantly in 2025, posting a 38–52 record and anchoring the bottom of the NL Central through early July. (sports.yahoo.com, espn.com, baseball-reference.com)
Their offense ranks among the worst in baseball: they’re on pace to score just ~473 runs—dead last in MLB —and they continue to rank 29th in runs per game and 24th in hits. (bleedcubbieblue.com)
Despite that, there are bright spots on the mound. Rookie ace Paul Skenes has been dominant, posting a 1.88 ERA with exceptional strikeout rates, though his efforts haven’t translated into wins due to lack of run support, leaving him with a poor 4–6 record. (wsj.com, bleedcubbieblue.com)
Veteran Mitch Keller has also turned heads, recently becoming PNC Park’s strikeout leader and offering stability in the rotation. (en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, bleedcubbieblue.com)
Under interim manager Don Kelly, the team has shown minor signs of life—going 16–15 since his promotion—but with subpar hitting and persistent attendance woes (just ~17,700 fans per home game, ranking 26th in MLB). (scoresandstats.com, bleedcubbieblue.com, the-sun.com)
In short, while standout pitching suggests a foundation for the future, the Pirates remain hampered by a dismal offense and continue to trail in the standings.
Ownership Under Scrutiny
Frustration has also been directed toward team ownership. Critics, including Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay, have highlighted the Pirates' lack of significant investment in player acquisitions, noting that the team hasn't signed a multi-year free-agent contract since 2016. This perceived reluctance to spend has led to questions about the organization's commitment to building a competitive roster around talents like Skenes. (New York Post)
Controversy Over Clemente Mural
Adding to the discontent, the Pirates faced backlash after replacing a mural of Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente with an alcohol advertisement at PNC Park. Clemente's family expressed their disappointment over the decision, leading the team to apologize and commit to restoring the tribute. (People.com)
Enduring Fan Support
Despite these challenges, fan support remains steadfast. Events like PiratesFest have showcased the community's enthusiasm, with players acknowledging the positive energy. Outfielder Bryan Reynolds remarked, "You just feel everyone's excitement for the season; you build off that." (SI)
As the season progresses, the Pirates' faithful continue to hope for a resurgence, buoyed by emerging stars and a shared desire to see the team return to postseason contention.
