Bucs GM Ben Cherington: Pirates see a next-step offseason after first winning record of his tenure

Pittsburgh’s front office is heading into the GM Meetings in Las Vegas with a defined objective: build on the Pirates’ first winning record under Ben Cherington after the team closed the 2026 season 82-80, an 11-win improvement from the year before.

Cherington framed the result as progress, not resolution. He said the record “wasn’t good enough” and that the club can look across the roster for ways to take “that next step,” emphasizing both confidence in the current foundation and openness to multiple approaches to roster improvement.

A key decision on the offseason timeline is tied to free-agent second baseman Brandon Lowe, whom the Pirates are targeting as a potential early move. Cherington said Pittsburgh is waiting on Lowe’s response to a $23.15 million qualifying offer, with the deadline for his decision set for next Tuesday.

Cherington also described how financial structure will shape the plan. He said the Pirates’ roster is becoming more expensive each year through salary bumps for players already under contract, including Bryan Reynolds and Mitch Keller, and that additional arbitration increases are expected for first-time arbitration-eligible players such as Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Nick Gonzales, Spencer Horwitz, and Carmen Mlodzinski.

On the pitching side, the Pirates are exploring ways to improve left-handed options, with Cherington’s discussion highlighting that their current left-handed starting choice is Hunter Barco. In the bullpen, the club has Mason Montgomery for late innings, plus additional southpaws Brandon Eisert and Evan Sisk, while Gregory Soto is expected to reach free agency.

Cherington expressed confidence in the rotation’s direction and addressed rebound expectations, saying the team expects Skenes to respond from a down year by his Cy Young standards. He also confirmed ’s prior report that Mitch Keller is fully recovered from a Grade 3 right arm teres major muscle strain.

Pitching coach Bill Murphy added that the Pirates’ left-right balance question is ultimately about effectiveness. Murphy said the goal is getting outs against both right-handed and left-handed hitters, regardless of handedness.