Pittsburgh Pirates prioritize bullpen improvements for 2027 season

The Pittsburgh Pirates are prioritizing bullpen improvements for the 2027 season following a 2026 campaign in which they finished with an 82-80 record. While the team achieved its first winning season since 2018, a struggling relief corps was identified as a primary factor in their failure to reach the postseason.

During the first half of 2026, the Pirates' relievers ranked among the worst in the league in ERA, walk rate, and WHIP. To address this, the team looks to build on existing talent, including closer Mason Montgomery, who posted a 2.88 ERA, and setup man Luke Weaver, who recorded a 2.69 ERA. Yohan Ramirez also remains a versatile option for high-leverage roles.

Analysts note that successful postseason contenders, such as the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers, increasingly rely on heavy bullpen usage to manage games, highlighting the necessity for the Pirates to bolster their late-inning depth to remain competitive in future seasons.