The Pirates entered the 2019 season with the exceptions they would be able to contend for a Wild Card spot. Instead they limped into the All Star break with a record of 44-45. While they were still hanging around in the Wild Card race and the NL Central, the Pirates fell apart in the second half. They finished the season 25-48 which led to the team hiring long time manager Clint Hurdle, as well as GM Neil Huntington, and team President Frank Coonelly.
The Pirates were also caught in the scandal involving lock down closer and former National Felipe Vasquez.