It is mid-January, and if you're looking for the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup for today, you won't find one written on a scorecard at PNC Park. It's January 14, 2026. The grass is likely covered in a dusting of Pennsylvania frost, and the only "lineup" currently existing is a messy, evolving spreadsheet in Ben Cherington’s office.
But don't check out just yet.
While the actual games don't start until spring training kicks off in Florida next month—specifically February 21 against the Orioles—the "today" version of this team is being built through frantic phone calls and arbitration settlements. Honestly, what’s happening right now is arguably more important than a random Tuesday night lineup in July.
The Winter Roster Shuffle
The Pirates aren't standing pat. If you haven't been following the transactions wire, they’ve been surprisingly aggressive for a franchise that usually treats the free-agent market like a high-end steakhouse they can't quite afford.
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Just a few days ago, on January 8, the front office cleared a massive hurdle by reaching one-year deals with several core pieces to avoid arbitration. Oneil Cruz, Joey Bart, and Justin Lawrence are all officially locked in for 2026. They also secured a two-year, $29 million deal with Ryan O’Hearn, which is a huge shift in philosophy for this club.
The most fascinating part? They aren't done.
Understanding the Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup for Today: The Projected Order
Since we are in the dead of winter, the "lineup" is a projection based on the massive three-team trade that brought in Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum. Here is how the batting order is shaking out in the minds of scouts and analysts right now.
- Spencer Horwitz (DH/1B): He’s the prototypical lead-off guy. He walks a ton—posted a 10.8% walk rate recently—and basically exists to annoy opposing pitchers until they throw something he can slap for a single.
- Ryan O’Hearn (1B/OF): A lefty who actually hits lefties? Rare. He’s expected to bat second to provide some protection and keep the line moving.
- Bryan Reynolds (RF): The anchor. You know what you're getting here. Switch-hitting stability.
- Brandon Lowe (2B): This is the power boost they desperately needed. He hit 31 homers last year. Having that kind of pop at second base changes the entire geometry of the lineup.
- Joey Bart (C): If he repeats his 2024 slugging numbers, he’s a beast. If he reverts to his 2025 lulls, the bottom of the order gets thin fast.
- Oneil Cruz (CF): Yes, the experiment continues. His move to the outfield is all about utilizing that elite speed and keeping his 6'7" frame healthy.
- Jared Triolo (3B): With Ke'Bryan Hayes traded away, the hot corner is Triolo’s to lose. He’s a defensive wizard, but the bat is still a question mark.
- Jake Mangum (LF): A speedster who creates chaos. Think 91st percentile sprint speed.
- Nick Gonzales / Nick Yorke (SS): This is the biggest battle in camp. There's also talk of Konnor Griffin, the top prospect, making a push, though starting the season in Indy seems more likely.
Why Third Base is Still a Mess
You've probably heard the rumors. The Pirates are linked to Eugenio Suarez.
Why? Because even with Lowe and O'Hearn, the team is still a bit "lefty-heavy." If they can't find a right-handed power bat to stick at third base, they’re going to struggle against the elite southpaws in the NL Central. Jared Triolo is great with the glove, but he doesn't scare anyone in the batter's box.
Cherington mentioned on MLB Network Radio just a few days ago (Jan 11) that they are still looking to "add more talent." That's GM-speak for "we are one injury away from a disaster at shortstop or third."
The Paul Skenes Factor
You can't talk about the Pirates without mentioning Paul Skenes. While he doesn't hit (thankfully, DH rules and all), his presence dictates how the lineup is constructed.
When Skenes is on the mound, the Pirates tend to play more "small ball" because they know they only need two or three runs to win. It’s a different vibe. On the days Mitch Keller or Bubba Chandler start, the offense feels more pressure to explode.
Speaking of Skenes, he’s been in the news lately for non-baseball reasons—mostly just hanging out in Pittsburgh with his girlfriend Livvy Dunne, showing off "Terrible Towels" on Instagram. It sounds trivial, but it actually matters to the fans. He’s embracing the city. That kind of buy-in usually leads to long-term extensions, something Pirates fans are terrified to hope for.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
The biggest misconception is that the Pirates are still "tanking." They aren't.
Look at the payroll. With the O'Hearn deal and the Lowe trade, they are pushing toward a $125 million payroll. For Pittsburgh, that’s huge. They finished 71-91 in 2025, which was a massive disappointment, but the underlying metrics—especially the pitching—suggest they were better than their record.
They aren't building for 2030 anymore. They are building for April.
Key Dates to Watch
- February 14, 2026: Pitchers and catchers report to Bradenton.
- February 21, 2026: First Spring Training game vs. Baltimore.
- March 26, 2026: Opening Day at Washington.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
If you're trying to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the waiver wire this week. The Pirates recently lost Tsung-Che Cheng to the Rays and acquired Francisco Loreto from the Phillies. These small "edge of the roster" moves usually tell you more about who is actually going to be in the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup for today when April rolls around than the big headlines do.
Check the local beat writers like Jason Mackey or Noah Hiles. They are usually the first to see who is showing up early to the Pirate City complex in Florida.
Stop worrying about the lack of a "big" signing at third base for a second. The core is actually solid. For the first time in a decade, the Pirates have a rotation that can compete with anyone. Now, they just need the bats to show up.
Keep an eye on the non-roster invitees list. Every year, someone like a Rafael Flores or an Evan Sisk comes out of nowhere in January to steal a spot on the bench. That's where the real value is found during the winter months.
Get your tickets for the home opener on April 3 against the Mets. It’s going to be a sellout, especially if Skenes is the scheduled starter.
Final thought: this isn't your older brother's Pirates team. They're actually trying. Kinda.