MLB execs validate optimism for a Pirates spending spree this winter

The reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates are going to significantly raise payroll for the 2026 season were equal parts surprising and encouraging. Most fans of small-market clubs are used to empty promises of investment in the on-field product, just to later hear that nothing on the market lined up with an appropriate value proposition.

That's a foreign feeling for Pirates fans. Under Bob Nutting, they don't get lied to with false promises of spending. Instead, Nutting keeps his mouth shut while he stuffs his pockets with the profits the franchise generates. That makes this feel like uncharted territory, though it's still fair to be heavily skeptical of Nutting's motives.

Since the initial news broke, we've learned that the proposed increase in budget is reportedly around $30-$40 million. That's not enough to guarantee every hole gets filled, but if spent wisely, it could raise the roster's floor tremendously.

If you're still wary as to whether or not it's true, and you don't fully trust that Ben Cherington won't squander this windfall, that's all fair. But maybe it will ease your mind knowing that Cherington's peers believe the Pirates are the small-market team most likely to make some noise this winter, according to ESPN.

ESPN's survey of MLB executives has the Pirates named as the favorite to make the most noise of all the small-market teams this winter

The survey, which polled anonymous MLB decision makers, saw the Pirates finish first in the voting in the small-market, big spender category with five votes, ahead of the Cincinnati Reds (3), the Kansas City Royals (3), the Miami Marlins (3), and the Tampa Bay Rays (2).

Before you do a victory lap, understand that the Rays declined Pete Fairbanks very reasonable $11 million option, because even the thought of not finding a trade partner for him was too difficult to stomach. The Reds have already said their payroll is going to remain flat, leaving them with little wiggle room this winter. And the Marlins? Well, if there's a team stingier than Pittsburgh, it would be them.

However, this should still encourage you. These are guys "in the know" and not just random pundits speculating. We've already heard that Pittsburgh was in on Josh Naylor, and the club has also been connected to other intriguing free agents like Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto, Ryan O'Hearn, and Jorge Polanco.

If Cherington spends his dollars wisely, there's a path to a massive improvement here. The offense needs a lot of help, but with a superstar like Paul Skenes and a stable of promising young starters, you can start to squint and see a good team with a couple of big bat additions.

Throw in a Bryan Reynolds bounce-back, Oneil Cruz turning his tools into production, and a step forward from a player like Spencer Horwitz, and things start to look downright intriguing.

Let's not put the cart before the horse. Even with more money and a plan to spend, it needs to be a good one, but there's a chance things could actually work out well for once. For that we can rejoice.