MLB

Pirates in 2026 Looking to Shed Doormat Reputation in National League Central

The chances of the Pittsburgh Pirates finishing last in the National League Central for a third consecutive season are decreasing thanks to Ben Cherington.
Pirates in 2026 Looking to Shed Doormat Reputation in National League Central
A view of the stands during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on July 6, 2024. Justin Berl/Getty Images
Donald Laible
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Pittsburgh Pirates’ Ben Cherington isn’t messing around.

Apparently, the days of Pirates’ ownership not opening up their wallet to spend on free agents are a thing of the past. As the Pirates’ general manager, Cherington is in the midst of the busiest of his seven seasons with the club. Signs of a fresh start and a new competitiveness among the players collected for the upcoming season are being mentioned by those joining Pittsburgh’s roster.

Donald Laible
Donald Laible
Author
Don has covered pro baseball for several decades, beginning in the minor leagues as a radio broadcaster in the NY Mets organization. His Ice Chips & Diamond Dust blog ran from 2012-2020 at uticaod.com. His baseball passion surrounds anything concerning the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and writing features on the players and staff of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Don currently resides in southwest Florida.