So, you're looking for the score of the Pittsburgh Pirate game? Honestly, if you check the scoreboard right now, you won't find any runs or hits. It’s mid-January.
The diamond at PNC Park is probably covered in a light dusting of Pennsylvania frost, and the crack of the bat is still weeks away. Today is January 16, 2026. If you came here hoping to see if Paul Skenes just mowed down a lineup or if Bryan Reynolds went deep, you've got to hang tight just a little longer. The Pirates aren't playing a game today because we are deep in the heart of the "Hot Stove" season.
Basically, the only "score" being kept right now is in the front office and the legal rooms. It’s arbitration season. It’s trade rumor season. It's the time of year when fans refresh their feeds to see if the roster is actually going to look competitive by the time pitchers and catchers report to Bradenton.
What's the score of the Pittsburgh Pirate game and why the fields are empty
Right now, the most important numbers aren't on a scoreboard. They're on contracts. Just a few days ago, on January 8, the Pirates managed to avoid arbitration with several key players. Oneil Cruz, the guy everyone hopes will finally have that 40-40 monster season, settled for $3.3 million. Justin Lawrence also inked a deal at $1.225 million.
This is the "game" being played in January. It's a game of leverage.
The 2025 season wasn't exactly a fairytale for the Buccos. They finished 71-91, sitting right at the bottom of the NL Central. It was a year that started with a spark but ended with a lot of "what ifs." Because of that, this offseason feels heavier. Fans are looking for signs that the team isn't just content with "developing" but actually wants to win.
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When does the real baseball start?
If you're itching for a real box score, circle February 21, 2026 on your calendar. That is when the Pirates open their Spring Training schedule. They’ll be heading over to Sarasota to face the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium.
- February 9: Pitchers and catchers participating in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) report.
- February 11: The rest of the pitchers and catchers show up at Pirate City.
- February 16: First full-squad workout. This is when the energy actually shifts.
- February 21: The first actual game (Grapefruit League).
The home opener in Bradenton at LECOM Park happens the very next day, February 22, against the Tampa Bay Rays. If you've never been to LECOM, it’s basically baseball heaven. It’s one of the oldest parks still in use, built back in 1923. It feels like real baseball should feel—close, loud, and smelling like Florida grass and sunscreen.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Regular Season
Once the Florida sun does its job, the real deal starts. The Pirates are actually making history this year with the earliest Opening Day they’ve ever had. On March 26, 2026, they’ll be at Citi Field to take on the New York Mets.
It’s the first time they’ve faced the Mets on Opening Day since 2002. Talk about a throwback.
The home opener at PNC Park—widely considered the best stadium in the country, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise—is set for Friday, April 3. They’ll be hosting the Baltimore Orioles. There’s something special about that North Shore view when the gates finally open for the first time in April. Even if the team is struggling, that skyline doesn't miss.
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Key Matchups to Watch
The 2026 schedule has some quirks. Because it’s the 250th anniversary of American independence, the All-Star Game is being held in Philadelphia. That’s going to make the cross-state rivalry with the Phillies feel even more intense this summer.
- May 12-17: A big homestand against the Rockies and Phillies.
- May 15-17: "Rivalry Weekend."
- September 15: Roberto Clemente Day. The Pirates will be at home, as they should be.
- September 25-27: The season wraps up in Detroit.
The state of the roster: Who's actually playing?
You can't talk about the Pirates' "score" without talking about the talent. Paul Skenes is the undisputed ace. In 2025, he was the bright spot, posting a 1.97 ERA and striking out 216 batters. He’s the reason people still buy tickets. He’s the reason people care.
But one man can't carry a pitching staff. The Pirates recently acquired 18-year-old infielder Francisco Lareto from the Phillies. He’s a long-term play, obviously. They also signed Noah Davis to a minor-league deal. It's these kinds of quiet, depth-building moves that usually determine if the team can survive the inevitable injuries of June and July.
Then there’s Konnor Griffin. The kid had 65 stolen bases in the minors last year—the most by a Pirates prospect since 2007. He’s been invited to big-league camp this spring. Watching him and Termarr Johnson (the No. 4 overall pick from 2022) in Bradenton will be the real highlight of February.
Why the "Score" matters even in January
Baseball is a long game. Kinda like a marathon where people occasionally scream at you. While there is no score today, the foundation for the 2026 record is being laid right now. If the front office doesn't figure out the hitting—which ranked 30th in runs scored last year—it won't matter how many batters Skenes fans.
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The Pirates averaged only 3.6 runs per game in 2025. That’s... not great. Honestly, it was painful to watch at times. They hit 117 home runs as a team. For context, some individual players in MLB history have flirted with half that number on their own.
So, the "score" for the fans right now is about hope. It’s about whether or not the internal improvements from guys like Oneil Cruz and Ke'Bryan Hayes can finally click at the same time.
Actionable steps for Pirates fans
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can stay prepared for when the first pitch actually happens:
- Secure Spring Training Tickets: Single-game tickets for Bradenton went on sale January 9. If you’re planning a trip to LECOM Park, grab them now because those 1:05 PM starts fill up fast.
- Track the WBC Roster: Several Pirates will likely be playing in the World Baseball Classic. This is a great way to see competitive baseball before the MLB season officially begins.
- Watch the Waiver Wire: The Pirates have been active with "DFA" (Designated for Assignment) moves lately, like Chase Shugart. Expect more roster churning as camp approaches.
- Mark the Home Opener: April 3 at PNC Park. If you want to be there for the North Shore festivities, the tickets are already circulating.
The score of the Pittsburgh Pirate game might be 0-0 for now, but the clock is ticking toward February. We’ll see you at the ballpark.