The 2025 MLB season is underway, and for Pittsburgh Pirates fans, it’s already been a mix of nail-biters, breakout performances, and some growing pains. With a 10-15 record to kick off the first month, there’s plenty to unpack from the early games and a whole lot to look forward to as we head deeper into the season.
Table of Contents
⚾ Early Road Woes and Glimpses of Grit
The Pirates opened their 2025 campaign on the road against Miami and Tampa Bay, and let’s just say the Florida sun wasn’t too kind. They dropped five of their first six games, including a tough 12-inning loss to the Marlins. But even amidst the Ls, we saw something promising: Paul Skenes, the rookie phenom, picked up his first win with a solid outing against Tampa Bay.
🏠 Home Opener vs. the Mets: Rough but Resilient
Returning home to PNC Park didn’t immediately flip the switch, as the Pirates dropped their first two games against the New York Mets. However, they avoided the sweep with a clutch 11-inning win, sparked by a resilient bullpen and timely hitting.
🔥 Standout Performers So Far
- Paul Skenes: 2-2 with some flashes of dominance. He’s clearly the future of the rotation.
- David Bednar: Off to a rough start with two early losses and a blown save, but he still has the stuff to bounce back.
- Rowdy Tellez and Oneil Cruz (assuming they’re active) have brought power to the plate when the offense clicks.
- Luis Santana: Quietly becoming a late-inning asset with 3 saves already.
📆 Upcoming Must-Watch Series
- @ Los Angeles Dodgers (April 25–28): A tough road test. Facing arms like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow will challenge the Bucs’ bats.
- vs. San Diego Padres (May 3–4): A home showdown featuring pitchers like Cease and King. Also airing on Apple TV+.
- vs. Atlanta Braves (May 10–11): Big NL matchup with playoff atmosphere vibes.
- @ Philadelphia Phillies (May 17–18): Citizens Bank Park is always electric—expect fireworks.
🎟️ Fan Tips: Catching Games on the Cheap
If you’re planning to catch a game live, there’s good news—ticket prices are super affordable right now for many games:
- Weekday games at home can be as low as $9–$15.
- Road games in cities like Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Detroit are also cheap, some dipping to just $5–$8!
Great time for road trippers and budget-savvy fans to support the team in person.
🔍 What to Watch Moving Forward
- Can the bullpen settle in? They’ve already had multiple extra-inning games, and relief consistency is going to be huge if they want to climb the standings.
- Can Skenes lead the rotation? If he continues to shine, he may become the Pirates’ next franchise cornerstone.
- Is the offense sustainable? Flashes of power have kept them in games, but they’ll need more consistent contact hitting to string wins together.
🖤💛 Final Thoughts
The Pirates’ 2025 season may have started with a few too many bruises, but there’s no denying the excitement surrounding this young team. With a mix of gritty wins, fresh talent, and favorable home stretches ahead, the Bucs are still in position to surprise a few people.
Stay tuned, Pittsburgh — there’s plenty of baseball left.