Pirates’ offensive leap makes one lineup call impossible to ignore

The Pittsburgh Pirates will be a better team offensively in 2026 than they were in 2025. This much is sure thanks to the dramatic facelift the offense has undergone. While that will add some games to the W column, there is a threat that can mitigate how much improvement they see in the win-loss record at the end of the day.

The 2025 Pirates were one of the league's better defensive teams. Pittsburgh ranked eighth in the majors in outs above average with 17. By defensive runs saved, they came in 10th with 32. With the pitching they had, just a competent offensive attack would have had them threatening for a playoff spot.

This year, the defense will be worse. Years and years of poor performance and penny pinching made it difficult to convince top free agents to pick the Pirates over other teams. As a result, they needed to settle for those players they could trade for and the free agents, who, for one reason or another, fell through the cracks. While they acquired some very good hitters, they didn't have the luxury to be super picky about how the pieces all fit together.

That means watching Ryan O'Hearn get pushed from the first base and DH mix to right field in order to support the signing of Marcell Ozuna.

Speaking of which, an outfield of Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, and O'Hearn doesn't inspire much confidence. Reynolds' glove has been declining, O'Hearn has only been a part-time outfielder in the past, and Cruz will have to prove over time that the work he did with Kevin Kiermaier this offseason will actually pay dividends.

However, a possible solution does exist on the roster in the form of the "other guy" in the Brandon Lowe trade — Jake Mangum.

The Pirates need to find a way to work Jake Mangum into the lineup in order to save their defense

Mangum could be exactly what the doctor ordered to improve the Pirates' defensive outlook in the outfield.

The 29-year-old has experience playing all three outfield positions at a high level. Last season, he posted three DRS across all three positions and six OAA in the outfield. With 91st percentile sprint speed, he can not only run balls down in the gaps, but he can make his average-ish arm play up by cutting balls off quickly.

Offensively, the switch-hitter isn't going to strike fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers, but his speed is a weapon that allows him to beat out infield hits and wreak havoc on the bases. He rarely strikes out, and the high-contact approach allowed him to hit .296 last year, which has value even if it's relatively punchless.

The issue will be figuring out how to balance all of these pieces. The three presumed starters are all in their spots for a reason, while youngster Jhostynxon Garcia's hot spring is also forcing the issue.

We're in a weird place when the Pirates have too much talent and not enough spots for all of them to play. Still, few can offer what Mangum does, and that's important. This will force Don Kelly to get creative, and that's not a bad thing either.