Alex Stumpf
@alexjstumpf.bsky.social
Let me show you why they call me the velour fog. MLB dot com Pirates reporter.
The Pirates wanted to improve their lineup this winter and have added two All-Stars so far. Lowe and O’Hearn are good hitters, and they also fill some of the biggest holes the 2025 offense had. I dove into that for today’s Pirates Beat newsletter:
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
How these 2 new players will improve Pirates' lineup
This story was excerpted from Alex Stumpf’s Pirates Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
www.mlb.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:38 PM
The Pirates wanted to improve their lineup this winter and have added two All-Stars so far. Lowe and O’Hearn are good hitters, and they also fill some of the biggest holes the 2025 offense had. I dove into that for today’s Pirates Beat newsletter:
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Reposted by Alex Stumpf
NEW POD 🚨🚨🚨
🏴☠️ The Alex Stumpf Show
Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts 🙌
m.youtube.com/watch?v=fviy...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
🏴☠️ The Alex Stumpf Show
Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts 🙌
m.youtube.com/watch?v=fviy...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
January 1, 2026 at 3:28 PM
NEW POD 🚨🚨🚨
🏴☠️ The Alex Stumpf Show
Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts 🙌
m.youtube.com/watch?v=fviy...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
🏴☠️ The Alex Stumpf Show
Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts 🙌
m.youtube.com/watch?v=fviy...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
Reposted by Alex Stumpf
January 1, 2026 at 7:38 PM
“I don't understand how he ever gives up a hit.”
New Pirate reliever Mason Montgomery averaged 98.7 mph on his fastball last season. In the pitch tracking era, the only lefty to best that in a season is Aroldis Chapman.
More on the Pirates’ new southpaw:
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
New Pirate reliever Mason Montgomery averaged 98.7 mph on his fastball last season. In the pitch tracking era, the only lefty to best that in a season is Aroldis Chapman.
More on the Pirates’ new southpaw:
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Montgomery fired up to bring elite velocity to Pirates' bullpen
Mason Montgomery’s first velocity spike came the traditional way. A Minor League starter since 2021 with the Rays, Tampa Bay moved him to the bullpen during the 2024 season while at Triple-A Durham, w...
www.mlb.com
December 30, 2025 at 10:09 PM
“I don't understand how he ever gives up a hit.”
New Pirate reliever Mason Montgomery averaged 98.7 mph on his fastball last season. In the pitch tracking era, the only lefty to best that in a season is Aroldis Chapman.
More on the Pirates’ new southpaw:
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
New Pirate reliever Mason Montgomery averaged 98.7 mph on his fastball last season. In the pitch tracking era, the only lefty to best that in a season is Aroldis Chapman.
More on the Pirates’ new southpaw:
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Ben Cherington talked earlier this week about how the Pirates wanted to add another proven bat to the lineup.
On Tuesday, they added their second 2025 All-Star this week.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
On Tuesday, they added their second 2025 All-Star this week.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Pirates land lefty bat in All-Star O'Hearn on 2-year deal (source)
The Pirates are in agreement with free agent and 2025 All-Star Ryan O'Hearn on a two-year, $29 million contract, per sources, adding another bat to a lineup they very much wanted to revamp this winter...
www.mlb.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Ben Cherington talked earlier this week about how the Pirates wanted to add another proven bat to the lineup.
On Tuesday, they added their second 2025 All-Star this week.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
On Tuesday, they added their second 2025 All-Star this week.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
ates and Ryan O’Hearn are in agreement on a two-year deal worth $29 million, per source. Robert Murray had it first
December 23, 2025 at 7:30 PM
ates and Ryan O’Hearn are in agreement on a two-year deal worth $29 million, per source. Robert Murray had it first
Caught up with new Pirate Jake Magnum, who was part of the Rays trade. What type of player are the Pirates getting? This quote should sum it up:
“There’s two promises I can make: I’m going to work as hard as I can, and I’m going to play as hard as I can”
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
“There’s two promises I can make: I’m going to work as hard as I can, and I’m going to play as hard as I can”
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Mangum aiming to infuse Pirates' outfield with inspired play
Jake Mangum may have debuted in the Majors last year, but his statistical claim to fame is from the collegiate ranks, holding the all-time SEC hit record. Mangum loved his time at Mississippi State an...
www.mlb.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Caught up with new Pirate Jake Magnum, who was part of the Rays trade. What type of player are the Pirates getting? This quote should sum it up:
“There’s two promises I can make: I’m going to work as hard as I can, and I’m going to play as hard as I can”
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
“There’s two promises I can make: I’m going to work as hard as I can, and I’m going to play as hard as I can”
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Pirates have signed outfielder Dominic Fletcher to a minor league deal, per source.
Fletcher, 28, played 12 games in the Majors with the White Sox last year and had a .770 OPS in Triple-A.
The @buccobantr.bsky.social crew had it first
Fletcher, 28, played 12 games in the Majors with the White Sox last year and had a .770 OPS in Triple-A.
The @buccobantr.bsky.social crew had it first
December 22, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Pirates have signed outfielder Dominic Fletcher to a minor league deal, per source.
Fletcher, 28, played 12 games in the Majors with the White Sox last year and had a .770 OPS in Triple-A.
The @buccobantr.bsky.social crew had it first
Fletcher, 28, played 12 games in the Majors with the White Sox last year and had a .770 OPS in Triple-A.
The @buccobantr.bsky.social crew had it first
Brandon Lowe spoke to Pittsburgh media over Zoom Monday. Here’s what the Pirates’ new slugger had to say about the opportunity, where he’s going to play in the field and hitting baseballs into the Allegheny.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Lowe excited to contribute to middle of Bucs' lineup
Brandon Lowe has spent most of the home games in his career under the Tropicana Field roof. It’s practical for the Tampa weather, but it pales in comparison to the view of the Pittsburgh skyline PNC P...
www.mlb.com
December 22, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Brandon Lowe spoke to Pittsburgh media over Zoom Monday. Here’s what the Pirates’ new slugger had to say about the opportunity, where he’s going to play in the field and hitting baseballs into the Allegheny.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Pirates have designated Tsung-Che Cheng and Marco Luciano for assignment to open roster spots for today’s trade. Roster is full at 40 players
December 20, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Pirates have designated Tsung-Che Cheng and Marco Luciano for assignment to open roster spots for today’s trade. Roster is full at 40 players
Pirates, Astros, Rays trade is pending medicals, per source. Infielder Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum and LHP Mason Montgomery would come to Pittsburgh, Mike Burrows to Houston.
@ken-rosenthal.bsky.social was on it
@ken-rosenthal.bsky.social was on it
December 19, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Pirates, Astros, Rays trade is pending medicals, per source. Infielder Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum and LHP Mason Montgomery would come to Pittsburgh, Mike Burrows to Houston.
@ken-rosenthal.bsky.social was on it
@ken-rosenthal.bsky.social was on it
The Pirates released an updated roster today that listed Nick Gonzales wearing No. 3. In July, he said he planned to change his number in tribute to Dave Parker.
“If you’re in the Hall of Fame, I shouldn’t be wearing your number.”
From July:
www.mlb.com/news/nick-go...
“If you’re in the Hall of Fame, I shouldn’t be wearing your number.”
From July:
www.mlb.com/news/nick-go...
Gonzales plans to give up No. 39 to honor Parker
PITTSBURGH -- They say greatness can be thrust upon you. For Nick Gonzales, that came via a jersey number.
The Pirates’ second baseman hasn’t been too picky with numbers in his career. He didn’t know ...
www.mlb.com
December 18, 2025 at 4:19 PM
The Pirates released an updated roster today that listed Nick Gonzales wearing No. 3. In July, he said he planned to change his number in tribute to Dave Parker.
“If you’re in the Hall of Fame, I shouldn’t be wearing your number.”
From July:
www.mlb.com/news/nick-go...
“If you’re in the Hall of Fame, I shouldn’t be wearing your number.”
From July:
www.mlb.com/news/nick-go...
The Pirates have announced their 2026 coaching staff.
Additions we didn’t know about yet: Thomas Whitsett is the assistant pitching coach, Shawn Bowman the Major League field coordinator and Chris Truby as infield coach.
Additions we didn’t know about yet: Thomas Whitsett is the assistant pitching coach, Shawn Bowman the Major League field coordinator and Chris Truby as infield coach.
December 18, 2025 at 3:47 PM
The Pirates have announced their 2026 coaching staff.
Additions we didn’t know about yet: Thomas Whitsett is the assistant pitching coach, Shawn Bowman the Major League field coordinator and Chris Truby as infield coach.
Additions we didn’t know about yet: Thomas Whitsett is the assistant pitching coach, Shawn Bowman the Major League field coordinator and Chris Truby as infield coach.
New Pirates Beat newsletter is waiting in your inbox, all on what I heard at the Winter Meetings and how the Pirates could proceed the rest of the offseason.
December 16, 2025 at 4:46 PM
New Pirates Beat newsletter is waiting in your inbox, all on what I heard at the Winter Meetings and how the Pirates could proceed the rest of the offseason.
An All-Buccos I covered grid
December 12, 2025 at 1:07 AM
An All-Buccos I covered grid
Pirates are trading RHP Carter Baumler, the player they took in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 Draft, to the Rangers for RHP Jaiker Garcia and cash considerations. Converted infielder pitched 18 games in rookie ball this year
December 10, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Pirates are trading RHP Carter Baumler, the player they took in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 Draft, to the Rangers for RHP Jaiker Garcia and cash considerations. Converted infielder pitched 18 games in rookie ball this year
The Pirates select RHP Carter Baumier in the Rule 5 Draft. Former Orioles prospect
December 10, 2025 at 7:08 PM
The Pirates select RHP Carter Baumier in the Rule 5 Draft. Former Orioles prospect
Honestly my favorite part of the Winter Meetings
December 10, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Honestly my favorite part of the Winter Meetings
Good morning from Orlando. The Pirates bullpen has a new two-time All-Star
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Pirates add 2-time All-Star reliever Soto on 1-year deal (source)
ORLANDO, Fla. – While the main focus this offseason has been on improving the offense, the Pirates’ first free agent signing is instead addressing a key need in the bullpen.
According to a source, the...
www.mlb.com
December 10, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Good morning from Orlando. The Pirates bullpen has a new two-time All-Star
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
"I, quite frankly, cannot wait for the fans to see us playing in October. That’s why I came here.”
Got to chat with new Pirates pitching coach Bill Murphy about the opportunity, learning how to communicate with players and why he believes in his new team.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Got to chat with new Pirates pitching coach Bill Murphy about the opportunity, learning how to communicate with players and why he believes in his new team.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Communication -- with words and numbers alike -- key for new pitching coach Murphy
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Bill Murphy wouldn’t quite call himself bilingual, but the Pirates’ new pitching coach can communicate with players in several ways.
First, there’s Spanish, a product of when he joine...
www.mlb.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:13 AM
"I, quite frankly, cannot wait for the fans to see us playing in October. That’s why I came here.”
Got to chat with new Pirates pitching coach Bill Murphy about the opportunity, learning how to communicate with players and why he believes in his new team.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Got to chat with new Pirates pitching coach Bill Murphy about the opportunity, learning how to communicate with players and why he believes in his new team.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Source confirms Pirates are signing LHP Gregory Soto. One year, $7.75 million. Pending physical. Jorge Castillo had it first
December 10, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Source confirms Pirates are signing LHP Gregory Soto. One year, $7.75 million. Pending physical. Jorge Castillo had it first
The Pirates will select fifth overall in the 2026 Draft. Third time they will have a lottery pick in the four years under the e new system
December 9, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The Pirates will select fifth overall in the 2026 Draft. Third time they will have a lottery pick in the four years under the e new system
The Pirates’ offer for Schwarber had a slightly higher AAV than what he signed for with the Phillies, according to a source. They were also on hold a bit waiting to see if he would accept.
What I’m hearing about what areas they’re targeting now.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
What I’m hearing about what areas they’re targeting now.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Pirates seek big upgrade after missing in pursuit of Schwarber (source)
ORLANDO, Fla. – It was a big swing in free agency, but alas, a whiff.
Kyle Schwarber is returning to the Phillies on a five-year, $150 million deal, a source told MLB.com. The Pirates were in the runn...
www.mlb.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:12 PM
The Pirates’ offer for Schwarber had a slightly higher AAV than what he signed for with the Phillies, according to a source. They were also on hold a bit waiting to see if he would accept.
What I’m hearing about what areas they’re targeting now.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
What I’m hearing about what areas they’re targeting now.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Updated with the Pirates’ offer
The Pirates have made an offer to the best hitter on the free agent market. That’s a big swing after a couple of quiet winters.
I asked Don Kelly and Ben Cherington about the Pirates being connected to some of the offseason’s mega targets here in Orlando.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
I asked Don Kelly and Ben Cherington about the Pirates being connected to some of the offseason’s mega targets here in Orlando.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Pirates take big swing with offer to free-agent slugger Schwarber (source)
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Pirates need bats, and it looks like they are taking a big swing to get one.
Per a source, the Pirates have made an offer to free-agent slugger Kyle Schwarber. According to a repo...
www.mlb.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Updated with the Pirates’ offer