Alex Stumpf
@alexjstumpf.bsky.social
Let me show you why they call me the velour fog.
Some personal news. I was let go by MLB dot com today as part of a restructuring within the company.
I’m proud of the work I did there, and I want to thank everyone who read along. Onto the next chapter.
I’m proud of the work I did there, and I want to thank everyone who read along. Onto the next chapter.
February 4, 2026 at 10:54 PM
Some personal news. I was let go by MLB dot com today as part of a restructuring within the company.
I’m proud of the work I did there, and I want to thank everyone who read along. Onto the next chapter.
I’m proud of the work I did there, and I want to thank everyone who read along. Onto the next chapter.
Sports are a “cultural phenomenon.” They are a regular, unifying force for community, joy, justice, history. That’s why there are dedicated sports desks, to properly document something that means so much to so many.
We are all the poorer for this short-sighted, abhorrent decision.
We are all the poorer for this short-sighted, abhorrent decision.
🤖 Corbin Bolies 🔁 by Justice delos Santos
NEW: Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray says the paper will be closing its sports department in its current form and plans to cover it as a "cultural phenomenon." “We plan to retain several reporters to join features” and cover sports through the…
NEW: Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray says the paper will be closing its sports department in its current form and plans to cover it as a "cultural phenomenon." “We plan to retain several reporters to join features” and cover sports through the…
February 4, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Sports are a “cultural phenomenon.” They are a regular, unifying force for community, joy, justice, history. That’s why there are dedicated sports desks, to properly document something that means so much to so many.
We are all the poorer for this short-sighted, abhorrent decision.
We are all the poorer for this short-sighted, abhorrent decision.
Pirates offered the same AAV for Suarez as what he signed for with the Reds (and were willing to go higher), according to a source. Sounds like Suarez chose a more favorable ballpark and familiarity w/ Cincy for a prove-it deal.
Would have been 1/$15 but Pirates were willing to do a multi-year deal
Would have been 1/$15 but Pirates were willing to do a multi-year deal
February 1, 2026 at 10:47 PM
Pirates offered the same AAV for Suarez as what he signed for with the Reds (and were willing to go higher), according to a source. Sounds like Suarez chose a more favorable ballpark and familiarity w/ Cincy for a prove-it deal.
Would have been 1/$15 but Pirates were willing to do a multi-year deal
Would have been 1/$15 but Pirates were willing to do a multi-year deal
A year ago, Spencer Horwitz felt the pressure of being the Pirates only big offseason addition. This time around, he’s healthy and part of a deeper lineup.
“We're just super excited to be able to lean on each other.”
More in the Pirates Beat newsletter, now in your inbox.
“We're just super excited to be able to lean on each other.”
More in the Pirates Beat newsletter, now in your inbox.
January 27, 2026 at 5:13 PM
A year ago, Spencer Horwitz felt the pressure of being the Pirates only big offseason addition. This time around, he’s healthy and part of a deeper lineup.
“We're just super excited to be able to lean on each other.”
More in the Pirates Beat newsletter, now in your inbox.
“We're just super excited to be able to lean on each other.”
More in the Pirates Beat newsletter, now in your inbox.
“Right now, I'm competing against throwing fastballs in the zone. Every time I don't do that, I have some choice words for myself. So I haven't lost that edge yet."
Jared Jones is throwing bullpens again and picking up velo. More from his PiratesFest trip
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Jared Jones is throwing bullpens again and picking up velo. More from his PiratesFest trip
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Jones on a mound again, eager to rejoin Bucs' rugged rotation
PITTSBURGH -- It was a Christmas morning feel for Jared Jones when he got to put his cleats to rubber on Jan. 10. After nearly a year of starting and stopping rehab and an eventual internal brace surg...
www.mlb.com
January 24, 2026 at 4:30 PM
“Right now, I'm competing against throwing fastballs in the zone. Every time I don't do that, I have some choice words for myself. So I haven't lost that edge yet."
Jared Jones is throwing bullpens again and picking up velo. More from his PiratesFest trip
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Jared Jones is throwing bullpens again and picking up velo. More from his PiratesFest trip
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
I asked Jared Jones what his emotions were on that first day he could throw.
His answer: “Let’s fucking go.”
Not really an emotion, in my opinion, but yeah, he’s excited to get back.
His answer: “Let’s fucking go.”
Not really an emotion, in my opinion, but yeah, he’s excited to get back.
January 23, 2026 at 9:48 PM
I asked Jared Jones what his emotions were on that first day he could throw.
His answer: “Let’s fucking go.”
Not really an emotion, in my opinion, but yeah, he’s excited to get back.
His answer: “Let’s fucking go.”
Not really an emotion, in my opinion, but yeah, he’s excited to get back.
The Pirates have announced seven more non-roster invites to Spring Training, including Konnor Griffin
January 16, 2026 at 4:21 PM
The Pirates have announced seven more non-roster invites to Spring Training, including Konnor Griffin
The Pirates have acquired third baseman Francisco Loreto from the Phillies for RHP Chase Shugart. Loreto, 18, played 47 games in the FCL last year. Shugart was DFA’d last week.
January 13, 2026 at 8:17 PM
The Pirates have acquired third baseman Francisco Loreto from the Phillies for RHP Chase Shugart. Loreto, 18, played 47 games in the FCL last year. Shugart was DFA’d last week.
Dave Giusti, one of the greatest relievers in Pirates history and a World Series champion, passed away Sunday.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Pirates All-Star, World Series champion pitcher Dave Giusti dies at 86
Dave Giusti, the All-Star and World Series champion closer who found a second career out of the bullpen with the Pirates, passed away on Sunday in Pittsburgh. He was 86 years old.
Giusti pitched 15 ye...
www.mlb.com
January 12, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Dave Giusti, one of the greatest relievers in Pirates history and a World Series champion, passed away Sunday.
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Ben Cherington is confident the Pirates are going to keep adding before Opening Day. What could that look like?
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Bucs far from finished with offseason moves
On Thursday, the Pirates formally introduced Ryan O’Hearn – their first multiyear free-agent signing since 2016 and the proud new owner of the largest free-agent contract for a position player in fran...
www.mlb.com
January 10, 2026 at 8:52 PM
Ben Cherington is confident the Pirates are going to keep adding before Opening Day. What could that look like?
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
The Brandon Lowe trade “moved the needle” towards Ryan O’Hearn signing with the Pirates. His phone call with Don Kelly sealed it.
On Thursday, the Pirates introduced their biggest free agent in years
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
On Thursday, the Pirates introduced their biggest free agent in years
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Pirates finalize 2-year deal with All-Star O'Hearn
First baseman Ryan O'Hearn was always one of the Pirates’ top targets this offseason. As a desired free agent, O’Hearn needed to do his research first.
Some of it was about the 2025 team, especially o...
www.mlb.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:21 AM
The Brandon Lowe trade “moved the needle” towards Ryan O’Hearn signing with the Pirates. His phone call with Don Kelly sealed it.
On Thursday, the Pirates introduced their biggest free agent in years
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
On Thursday, the Pirates introduced their biggest free agent in years
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
The Pirates are avoiding arbitration with all eligible players this year
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Bucs agree to deals with Cruz, 3 others to avoid arbitration (sources)
The Pirates agreed to contracts for the 2026 season with Dennis Santana, Joey Bart, Oneil Cruz and Justin Lawrence Thursday, meaning they will not need to go to arbitration with anyone this spring.
Ac...
www.mlb.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:52 PM
The Pirates are avoiding arbitration with all eligible players this year
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
www.mlb.com/pirates/news...
Source confirms Oneil Cruz and Pirates have agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal to avoid arbitration. Robert Murray had it first
January 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Source confirms Oneil Cruz and Pirates have agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal to avoid arbitration. Robert Murray had it first
Source: Pirates and Justin Lawrence agree to a one-year, $1.225 million deal to avoid arbitration
January 8, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Source: Pirates and Justin Lawrence agree to a one-year, $1.225 million deal to avoid arbitration
Source: Pirates and Dennis Santana have agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract to avoid arbitration
January 8, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Source: Pirates and Dennis Santana have agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract to avoid arbitration
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