SportsPreview
Top scorers, sleepers and streamers: Fantasy hoops outlooks for every WNBA team
Get ready for the WNBA's 30th season with fantasy insights for all teams!
ESPN News1 min read
MLB
Soaring Pirates Shockingly Claim Elite Spot In 2026 MLB Power Rankings
TL;DR
The Pittsburgh Pirates have climbed to No. 5 in the latest MLB power rankings, moving up from No. 7. This ranking marks a surprising achievement for the team as they prepare for the 2026 season.
Key points
- Pittsburgh Pirates ranked No. 5 in MLB power rankings
- Team moved up from No. 7 last week
- Ranking released by MLB.com's Will Leitch
Mentioned in this story
Will Leitch
MLBPittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes
Soaring Pirates Shockingly Claim Elite Spot In 2026 MLB Power Rankings originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
MLB.com's Will Leitch released his updated MLB power rankings on Sunday night, and the Pittsburgh Pirates occupied a shocking spot.
Leitch had them at No. 5, up two spots from No. 7 last week.
Only four teams have more wins than the Pirates entering play on Monday. Unfortunately, they all reside in the National League.
Pittsburgh had another strong week, splitting its four-game series against the Washington Nationals and winning its weekend series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Pirates likely would have swept the Rays, too, had a rain delay not curtailed Paul Skenes' gem on Saturday.
Q&A
Why did the Pittsburgh Pirates move up in the MLB power rankings?
The Pittsburgh Pirates moved up due to their impressive performance, which was highlighted in the updated rankings by MLB.com's Will Leitch.
What is the current MLB power ranking position of the Pittsburgh Pirates?
As of the latest update, the Pittsburgh Pirates are ranked No. 5 in the MLB power rankings.
Who released the updated MLB power rankings for 2026?
The updated MLB power rankings for 2026 were released by Will Leitch on MLB.com.
