Pirates 2026 Spring Training Roster: Locks, Invitees, Breakout Candidates

The article dives into the Pittsburgh Pirates’ early spring training camp in Bradenton. The 40-man roster joined 21 non-roster invitees, all working toward Opening Day.

It breaks down the projected rotation, bullpen, catching, infield, and outfield. There’s a real focus on players to watch, job competitions, and young prospects hungry to crash the roster.

Rotation and pitching depth

The Pirates head into camp with a clear core atop the rotation. Paul Skenes, coming off a Cy Young-winning season, anchors the staff next to veteran Mitch Keller.

The group also features likely 2025 debuts for Bubba Chandler and Braxton Ashcraft. Both stand in line for regular roles.

Jared Jones is working his way back from elbow surgery. The team’s not rushing him—they’re watching his recovery closely.

Projected Opening-Day rotation

The Pirates look set to build their rotation around a mix of reliable arms and high-upside youngsters. Here’s who figures to be in the early plans:

• Paul Skenes
• Mitch Keller
• Bubba Chandler
• Braxton Ashcraft
• Jared Jones (progress post-surgery will matter)

Beyond that core, a handful of pitchers have a lot to prove in Bradenton. Hunter Barco, Wilber Dotel, Thomas Harrington, and Antwone Kelly bring momentum from within the system.

Jose Urquidy—a one-year signing returning from a second Tommy John—could snag a rotation spot if he looks healthy and sharp this spring.

Other pitching contenders

Several veterans and up-and-coming arms are in the mix for depth. They could wind up in the bullpen or long relief if things break right.

The most notable non-roster addition is Mike Clevinger. He’s been up and down in his career, but maybe he finds something here and helps in a depth year.

Bullpen structure and non-roster depth

The bullpen’s taking shape around a handful of proven arms. There’s room for younger relievers to force their way in once the games count.

The group likely to handle late innings: Dennis Santana, Gregory Soto, Carmen Mlodzinski, Isaac Mattson, and Justin Lawrence. Yohan Ramirez and Mason Montgomery are pushing for a spot too.

Non-roster relief depth

The Pirates brought in a deep group of non-roster relievers. There’s a mix of veterans and younger arms, giving them flexibility.

Notable names include Chris Devenski and a handful of former big-league contributors. They’ll be important if injuries hit or roles shuffle during the season.

Catching and infield alignment

Catching looks like a two-man job to start out. Henry Davis and Joey Bart will handle most of the work behind the plate.

In the infield, the Pirates added a veteran presence and some intriguing depth pieces to go with their main group.

Catching and infield projections

• Catchers: Henry Davis, Joey Bart
• Infielders on the roster: Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, Spencer Horwitz, Jared Triolo, Nick Gonzales
• Prospects pushing for roles: Nick Yorke, Enmanuel Valdez, Jack Brannigan
• Konnor Griffin — the marquee non-roster infielder and consensus top prospect, who might just force his way onto the Opening Day roster even at 19

There’s a lot of anticipation in Bradenton about how these infielders will handle the competition. People are curious to see how quickly the high-upside prospects mature with so much talent ahead of them.

Lowe’s power and O’Hearn’s versatility stand out, but the younger guys could shake things up if they perform. It’ll be interesting to see who emerges.

Outfield plans and overall roster dynamics

In the outfield, established veterans and young, controllable players headline the group. They’ll likely make up the lineup most days once Opening Day arrives.

The expected starting trio: Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Jake Mangum. Competition for reserve and bench spots is fueling plenty of chatter in camp.

Outfield competition and depth

• Starting outfield: Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Jake Mangum
• Depth options: Jack Suwinski, Esmerlyn Valdez, Billy Cook, plus several non-roster invitees

Bradenton’s six-week window gives the Pirates a chance to sharpen their roster balance. Coaches want to see which youngsters can really handle Major League responsibilities.

They’ll mix proven veterans with high-upside prospects. The club’s hoping to leave spring with a better sense of its 2026 direction, but they’ll need to stay flexible as performance and health updates roll in during the exhibition schedule.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Pirates spring training roster breakdown: Locks, invitees and those with something to prove