The Pittsburgh Pirates are ranked 20th by ESPN's David Schoenfield as they look ahead to the 2025 MLB season, following a World Series win by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The ranking reflects optimism about their starting rotation, particularly with the potential of Paul Skenes and top prospect Bubba Chandler.

Despite this, the Pirates face challenges, including a struggling offense and a need for bullpen improvements. Tight budget constraints may hinder their ability to make significant upgrades.