Pirates are on the verge of adding yet another blemish to their franchise’s history

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been around for a very long time. Their history as a franchise dates back to 1884, fewer than 20 years after the Civil War ended. However, the Pirates are on the verge of crossing a line they haven’t been on the same side of since 1903.

The team is barely clinging to being above .500 as a franchise. After an eight-game losing streak, the Pirates notched a win right before the All-Star break to remain one game over .500 at 10,878-10,877.

The Pirates are in the midst of what will be their seventh straight losing season and their 29th losing season since 1992. The Pirates’ 20 straight losing seasons from ‘92 through 2012 is still the longest streak in North American professional sports history. 2013 through 2015, along with 2018, are the only above .500 seasons the Pirates have had in the 2000s.

Much of the blame will go toward Bob Nutting, and rightfully so. Prior to Nutting becoming the majority owner in January 2007, the Pirates had a 9,556-9,292 record. However, they’ve gone 1,321-1,585 since. They have the fourth-most losses in baseball since the start of the 2007 season. While the Pirates have had some terrific seasons under Nutting’s command, they’ve had plenty more painful years.

The Pirates are on track for the 16th-worst season in franchise history among years where they played at least 100 games. However, eight of the 30 worst single-season performances by the Pirates have taken place since Nutting became the Pirates’ majority owner. That includes pre-1900 seasons as well.

Nutting has been consistently criticized for his frugal spending and providing his front offices with little to work with. The Pirates’ payroll has constantly been near the bottom of the league, and unfortunately that doesn’t look like it’s going to change anytime soon. The Pirates’ Opening Day payroll sat at just over $84 million in 2024 after they improved from just 62 wins to 76 wins in 2023, and it rose to just under $89 million at the start of this year, despite Paul Skenes' historic rookie season and a myriad of other talented arms, both on the Major League roster and throughout the minor leagues. They did not invest in offense.

The Pirates are on the verge of falling below .500 as a franchise for the first time since Teddy Roosevelt was president, which is yet another black eye in what feels like a series of beatdowns for the team. With such a rich history, some of the most recognizable players ever, and one of the best pitching staffs in baseball today, it’s a real shame to see how far they have fallen.

Interpret this as you will, but one hopes the Nutting family is well aware of the legacy they are leaving behind. Change is needed.