8 former Pirates who could win a World Series ring in Dodgers-Blue Jays matchup

The players currently on the Pirates’ active roster aren’t looking forward to any bling in the near future. Aside from a couple possible Gold Glove Awards, Pirates players won’t be featured in early-season celebrations or days of recognition. However, a few former Bucs will be eagerly watching (or even playing in) the World Series between the Dodgers and the Blue Jays. These precious few could be the recipients of a 2025 World Series ring.

Two players on each team are likely to play a direct role in the World Series itself. Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow, whose trade to Tampa Bay is perhaps the greatest regret in recent Pirates history, will get the Game 3 start if Los Angeles rolls with the same rotation it used in the NLCS. Glasnow’s start, although it will likely come at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, will be a milestone moment from the Southern California native. He missed the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run and has dreamed of representing his hometown team on a big stage.

Several former Pirates players have a chance of taking home a World Series ring this year.

Anthony Banda will also likely make some appearances out of the bullpen for the Dodgers. The lefty, who stepped into a larger role this year due to L.A.’s rampant pitching injuries, has allowed just two baserunners in 2 ⅔ innings this postseason; he allowed one run in 10 appearances in last year’s World Series run.

In the Blue Jays’ dugout, backup catcher Tyler Heineman and infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa may see some playing time in the series. Heineman, who played with the Pirates in 2022 and ‘23, stepped in as a defensive replacement for one inning during the ALCS, but Kiner-Falefa, whom the Pirates traded to the Jays at the deadline, has fallen into a regular starting spot at second base in part due to Bo Bichette’s nagging PCL injury. Bichette hopes to play a larger role in the World Series, but Kiner-Falefa has had enough big postseason moments to get at least a few appearances with Toronto. Reliever Justin Bruihl will certainly walk away with a ring if the Blue Jays win it all. The lefty made the ALDS roster (although his sole outing was disastrous) and then was left off the ALCS squad.

Three other former Pirates will have the opportunity to become champions without leaving the comfort of their home. Lefty relief specialist Ryan Borucki was DFA’d by Toronto and assigned to their Triple-A team, but the Blue Jays went 3-1 in games in which Borucki appeared. Starter Andrew Heaney spent most of his time with the Dodgers’ Triple-A squad but did make a spot start for Los Angeles. Reliever Chris Stratton may end his playing career with the ring; he opted for free agency after the Dodgers DFA’d him in June. He has yet to sign with another team.

While it is frustrating to once again see the Pirates finish so far from the postseason, perhaps the Pittsburgh faithful can find some joy in cheering on these former Bucs.