The Pittsburgh Pirates may be destined for yet another last-place finish in the National League Central division this year, but at least the final leg of their race to the bottom has been fun to watch.
The Pirates' second-half surge in 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable. Before completing a stunning sweep of the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park, they also secured series wins over a pair of American League playoff contenders in the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. Prior to Friday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh had won 12 of the last 16 games, including a six-game winning streak at home.