Why MLB Writer Is 'Buying Stock' In Pirates As Playoff Contenders
Andrew Gould, a seasoned sports writer and fantasy baseball enthusiast, is bullish on the Pittsburgh Pirates' chances in the 2026 MLB season. In a recent interview, Gould expressed his optimism, stating, 'I'm buying stock in the Pirates.'
The Pirates have been on a transformative journey, aiming to break a decade-long playoff drought. They've achieved this by bolstering their lineup with several big-name players, including Ryan O'Hearn and Marcell Ozuna. These additions, along with Brandon Lowe, have significantly upgraded the team's offensive capabilities, which were ranked last in scoring last season.
Gould's confidence stems from the Pirates' strategic moves during the offseason. While they missed out on top targets like Kyle Schwarber and Framber Valdez, they still managed to strengthen their roster. Gould believes that the Pirates have done enough to make a playoff push this year, and he's not alone in this sentiment. Robert Murray, a writer for FanSided, echoed this view, stating, 'I love what they've done. This offseason, they really wanted to go out and upgrade the offense.'
The Pirates' offensive prowess is particularly evident in the OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) statistics. O'Hearn posted a higher OPS (.803) than any other Pirates hitter last season, and Lowe and Ozuna add power to a lineup that already collected 117 home runs.
However, Gould acknowledges that the Pirates' defense could regress. Despite this, he remains confident in the team's overall performance, attributing it to their strong offensive capabilities. Gould's enthusiasm is infectious, and he's not the only one who's taking notice. Other writers and fans are also optimistic about the Pirates' chances, with some even predicting a playoff appearance.
As the season unfolds, the Pirates will need to maintain their momentum and continue to build on their successes. With Gould's support and the team's recent improvements, the Pirates are poised to make a strong showing in the 2026 MLB season. So, will they make the playoffs? Only time will tell, but the Pirates are certainly making a strong case for themselves.
