Are the Pirates MLB playoff contenders or pretenders ?

Q: What is the Pittsburgh Pirates' current record and playoff standing?

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a record of 23-20 and are currently 1.5 games out of a wild card spot.

Q: Who are the standout players in the Pirates' rotation this season?

Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Braxton Ashcraft have been the standout pitchers in the Pirates' rotation.

Q: Why might the Pirates struggle to secure a playoff spot this season?

The Pirates face challenges from a competitive National League Central division, where all five teams are currently above .500.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 13: Ryan O'Hearn #29 of the Pittsburgh Pirates reacts as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning during the game against the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park on May 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Pittsburgh Pirates are 23- 20 to start off the season. They are also 1.5 games out of the wild card spot. A solid start to the season for the Buccos who have finished in last place in the NL Central the past two seasons. Is this strong start proof the the Pirates are contenders or are they pretenders? The prized jewel for the team is their rotation, headed up by Paul Skenes. Since the Opening Day debacle, he has been the star we all know. Mitch Keller and Braxton Ashcraft have also been really solid to give the Pirates a trio of frontline starters so far. Jared Jones has looked good in his two Minor League rehab starts on his way back from elbow surgery. We also shouldn’t forget about Bubba Chandler, who has shown some promise early in the season, this rotation is going to be good all year. The questions for the Bucs is can the offense continue to produce. So far, the Pirates rank sixth in the majors in OPS as a team. has been great in his first season in black leading the team with 10 home runs. is having a breakout season, but longtime Pirates fans know that he is inconsistent. There’s room for improvement, too, because is capable of a better average and slugging, while there’s an avenue to expect top prospect Konnor Griffin to get better as the season progresses. My biggest concern with the Pirates isn’t even the team itself, it’s the division they are in. The National League Central is the only division in the Majors where all five teams are above .500. Right now there isn’t a hugely weak team in the division, and that will make things difficult for Pittsburgh, especially towards the end of the season. I am just not sure if the Pirates can compete with the and be consistent enough in the division to at least get a wild card spot. At the end of the day it’s figuring out if the Pirates are contenders to be a playoff team not a world series contender. Based on the things I have said, I think the Pirates at the moment are pretenders but have serious potential to be legit contenders come July and August. With the uncertainty that the offense can continue to produce like it is and the lackluster bullpen I just can’t declare them legit playoff contenders right now. Comment below if you think the Pirates are playoff contenders or pretenders.