As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to close the book on yet another disappointing season, their focus has already shifted toward 2026.
As they look to avoid finishing below .500 and missing the playoffs for an 11th straight year in 2026, the Pirates need next season to be about clearing dead weight and opening spots for their wave of prospects – not doubling down on players who plateaued in 2025.
With that in mind, here are four players on the Pirates' current 40-man roster who won't (or, at the very least, shouldn't) be back in 2026.
4 Pirates who definitely won't be back in 2026 after disappointing season
Tommy Pham
Tommy Pham ended up being one of the Pirates' best hitters during the second half, but he was never expected to be part of the long-term plan in Pittsburgh.