Mitch Keller Shares Pirates' 2026 Goal

In the last few years, the Pittsburgh Pirates were simply hoping to be competitive and possibly finish the season above .500. However, a team’s outlook can change quickly in MLB, and with just a few moves, the Pirates are starting to look like a true playoff contender in the National League.

Mitch Keller recently appeared on MLB Network Radio and discussed some of Pittsburgh’s offseason acquisitions and the team’s goal for 2026. The starting pitcher made it clear the entire team is thinking not only about making the playoffs but also about making some noise in October.

“I think it’s going ot be a really good year for us,” said Keller. “I know all of our outlooks for the season is for us is to not only make the playoffs, but have some fun in there too.”

Of course, one of the main reasons the Pirates are now viewed in a new light is because of the trade they may make to acquire Brandon Lowe, a 2025 All-Star, from the Tampa Bay Rays. Pittsburgh did have to give up a good player in Mike Burrows to add Lowe, and Keller admitted it’s bittersweet, but is still thrilled about the team’s newest slugger.

Keller continued, “I love the additions we just made, obviously, [it's] sad when one of your teammates goes. [Burrows] was a big part of that group that, you know, we were all close-knit. 
So it's bittersweet, but I'm happy for him. And, you know, I think it's just a good move for everybody… We got three really good players, and I couldn't be more excited about those guys getting to know them as people and, obviously, as teammates as well.”

It’s not easy to go from a 71-win team to clinching a playoff berth in one season. 

That said, the moves to add Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn are certainly meaningful upgrades to a lineup that needed it, and the pitching staff remains one of the best in baseball. 

Plus, Keller’s comments do make it feel like this Pirates team is hungry to get the opportunity to play meaningful baseball and get the franchise back to the postseason for the first time in over a decade.