What Is 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates finished the MLB season with a 75-87 record, placing third in the National League Central. Managed by Clint Hurdle, the team did not make the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Key Facts

The 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates had a final record of 75 wins and 87 losses
They played home games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Manager Clint Hurdle led the team for the sixth consecutive season
Star pitcher Gerrit Cole was traded to the Houston Astros mid-season
The Pirates' attendance averaged 23,309 per game, ranking 17th in MLB

Overview

The 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates season marked the franchise's 136th year in Major League Baseball and the 13th at PNC Park. Competing in the National League Central division, the team struggled to maintain consistency, ultimately finishing with a losing record and missing postseason play for the second straight year.

Despite early optimism and a competitive spring training, the Pirates faced numerous challenges including injuries, underperformance, and a mid-season trade of key players. The season highlighted a transitional phase for the franchise as it moved from contention toward rebuilding.

Record: The team finished with a 75-87 win-loss record, placing them third in the NL Central behind the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals.
Manager: Clint Hurdle returned for his sixth season as manager, maintaining a steady presence despite growing criticism over in-game decisions.
Home Field: All home games were played at PNC Park, where the Pirates averaged 23,309 fans per game across 81 home dates.
Notable Trade: In July 2017, ace pitcher Gerrit Cole was traded to the Houston Astros, marking a shift toward a rebuilding strategy.
Offensive Struggles: The Pirates ranked 25th in MLB in runs scored with just 668, hampered by inconsistent performances from key hitters like Andrew McCutchen.

How It Works

The 2017 season operated under standard MLB rules and scheduling, with the Pirates playing 162 games across six months. Player performance, roster moves, and managerial strategy shaped the team’s trajectory throughout the campaign.

Season Duration: The regular season ran from April 3 to October 1, with the Pirates' first game against the Chicago Cubs and final game at home versus the Reds.
Division Play: As members of the NL Central, the Pirates played 19 games each against the Cardinals, Cubs, Brewers, and Reds.
Spring Training: Held in Bradenton, Florida, the team prepared at Pirate City with a focus on developing young talent and refining defensive strategies.
Trade Deadline: The July 31 non-waiver trade deadline saw Pittsburgh trade Gerrit Cole and Tony Watson, acquiring prospects in return.
Player Development: The organization emphasized internal growth, promoting prospects like Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow despite limited major league impact in 2017.
Analytics Integration: The front office continued expanding its use of sabermetrics in defensive positioning and pitcher usage, especially in high-leverage situations.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2017 Pirates compared to recent seasons in key performance metrics:

Year	Record (W-L)	Division Finish	Runs Scored	Attendance Avg
2015	98-64	2nd, NL Central	729	25,877
2016	78-83	4th, NL Central	727	24,186
2017	75-87	3rd, NL Central	668	23,309
2018	82-79	4th, NL Central	733	21,835
2019	69-93	5th, NL Central	685	20,748

The data shows a decline in both performance and attendance from the successful 2015 season. While the 2017 team improved slightly in division standing compared to 2016, offensive production dipped significantly. The trades and focus on youth signaled a long-term shift away from immediate contention.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a pivotal moment in the Pirates' organizational trajectory, reflecting broader strategic decisions that would influence the team for years to come. It marked the end of a competitive window and the beginning of a rebuild.

Rebuilding Phase: Trading Gerrit Cole signaled a clear pivot toward developing young talent and accumulating future assets.
Player Transition: Andrew McCutchen, the longtime face of the franchise, had a down year and was traded the following offseason.
Front Office Strategy: General Manager Neal Huntington focused on acquiring prospects, emphasizing long-term sustainability over short-term wins.
Fan Engagement: Declining attendance reflected waning fan enthusiasm amid consecutive losing seasons.
Coaching Evaluation: Clint Hurdle’s contract was extended despite the losing record, drawing mixed reactions from analysts and fans.
Farm System Impact: The trades brought back players like Kyle Crick and Colin Moran, who contributed in later seasons.

The 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates season serves as a case study in franchise transition—balancing competitive integrity with long-term planning in a small-market environment.