With Pittsburgh nearing its best season in a decade but still short of its World Series goal, an SB Nation analysis says the Pirates should consider a pitching-coach change, settle their catcher spot and add a 20–25-homer hitter for 2027.
The article says the rotation fell short and the bullpen blew 16 saves; aggressive trade-deadline moves brought only slight improvement. It floats replacing first-year pitching coach Bill Murphy. Paul Skenes said his World Baseball Classic involvement may have hindered his season.
General manager Ben Cherington said he believes Henry Davis, Rafael Flores Jr. and Endy Rodríguez can all become primary catchers. He acknowledged Davis’s offense had not met expectations but said it could improve; Davis hit .169, the article says. The analysis argues the Pirates may still need a different everyday option and suggests keeping Brandon Lowe while adding another veteran hitter.
