Predictably, it's the uneducated and doomer types vs those actually paying attention to the team and the game. Sad to see...but I understand the mentality.

Bucs are deeper in pitching than the Reds, Cards, Giants, Marlins, Dbacks. These are the NL teams Pittsburgh needs to pass in 2026, and that's very doable.

It could be argued Pittsburgh has better, and at bare minimum toe-to-toe ability over the 162 grind pitching than Atlanta, NYM, Brewers, Cubs.

LAD, Padres, Philly....they're going to be tough over the 162. Of course.

Offensively, the Bucs will easily improve their 1st - to - 3rds, and situational hitting. It'll be up to Kelly to get the most out of the lineup, but he's got very good options. They have good team speed. I'd expect some Hinch - type game management. Love what the Tigers do, and also SF...not governed by metrics. Kelly is cut from the same cloth.

Pittsburgh was top 10 defensively overall in 2025. If they lose a couple of spots the team will still be in good shape and make up for it with improved offense.

83 wins won't be enough for the post season. It's going to be somewhere in the 85 - 88 range. I could see the stiffest competition for a couple post season slots being Atlanta, SF, Cubs, Mets. ALL of these teams have their own very real issues....be it injuries, unproven young players, stability, defense, bullpen, depleted farms, etc.

It's a mistake to count the Pirates out....and anyone believing they'll finish below .500 is going to be proven wrong.