Pirates Push For More Offense: O’Hearn, Lowe Lead 2026 Charge

This article takes a look at the Pittsburgh Pirates’ recent offseason moves and how they might finally boost their offense enough to match their strong pitching staff. The front office wants about a 20% jump in runs, but can the current lineup really deliver that? Which players need to step up if this team’s going to turn the corner for 2025 and beyond?

Offseason Additions Target a Big Jump in Runs

The Pirates’ pitching staff already holds its own. So, the team has set a pretty clear goal for the hitters: make a big leap on offense. They’re aiming for about 20% more runs—a number the front office claims is realistic with the new arrivals and some internal growth.

The 2025 offense ranked near the bottom of MLB. Even a decent improvement would move them closer to the middle and maybe set up something more sustainable.

Pieces in Place: New Faces and Old Stars

To address the lineup, the Pirates brought in Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, and Jhostynxon Garcia. They also signed Ryan O’Hearn. FanGraphs estimates Lowe and O’Hearn combined for 46 RAR in 2025, which is a solid place to start.

Now, the pressure shifts to the team’s established stars. Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz put up 26.1 RAR together last season, but that’s not enough. They’ll have to find another gear. Reynolds peaked at 63.2 RAR in 2021, and Cruz hit 34.8 RAR in 2024, so if they can get anywhere near those numbers again, the offense could take a real step forward.

Internal development matters just as much. Jared Triolo flashed some promise late in 2025. Catcher Henry Davis has gotten better defensively but struggled at the plate, finishing with -1.0 RAR last year.

If Triolo and Davis can combine for more than 13.6 RAR, the Pirates might finally see their offense catch up to the pitching and push for a winning record.

• Lowe and O’Hearn offer immediate middle-of-the-order potential and a positive RAR boost.
• Reynolds and Cruz need to get back to their best if this lineup’s going anywhere.
• Triolo and Davis are the wild cards—if they step up, the offense could really open up.

Internal Development Could Be the X Factor

It’s not just about the new guys. The real swing factor is whether internal growth can actually lead to more wins. If Triolo and Davis can add a dozen or more runs over last season, maybe this group finally clicks with its pitching staff.

Triolo and Davis: Bridge from Depth to Premium Offense

Triolo’s late-season run hints he might be more than just a bench piece. Davis has tightened up his defense, but now he needs to hit. If these two can produce together, the lineup gets deeper and less predictable, which could finally ease the load on the stars.

Risks and Realities: The Road Ahead

There’s risk here, no doubt. If trades or signings flop, the franchise narrative won’t change without wins on the field. General manager Ben Cherington knows real improvement is the only way to shift perceptions and keep talents like Skenes or Konnor Griffin interested in sticking around.

The front office is betting that new depth and continued development will finally create the kind of winning culture fans can actually get behind. Is it enough? That’s the big question.

Outlook: Momentum If the Plan Succeeds

If the offensive plan actually works, the Pirates could deliver an exciting season. That might finally nudge the organization in a new direction.

With new acquisitions, some star player growth, and a bit of internal development, there’s a real shot at building a more balanced, competitive club. The goal? Improve the offense enough to match the elite pitching and finally move out of the league’s basement.

Fans and stakeholders are watching closely. Will these moves actually show up as wins on the field and change the Pirates’ story for good?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Jason Mackey: Pirates’ offseason directive has been clear. Now, the push for more offense better work