What Is 2018 Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Pittsburgh Pirates finished the MLB season with a 82-79 record, placing third in the NL Central. They were led by manager Clint Hurdle and played their home games at PNC Park.

Key Facts

The 2018 Pittsburgh Pirates posted an 82-79 overall record under manager Clint Hurdle
They played home games at PNC Park, drawing 1,895,554 fans (27th in MLB)
Starter Jameson Taillon led the rotation with 14 wins and a 3.20 ERA
Star outfielder Starling Marte hit .259 with 15 home runs and 19 stolen bases
The team did not make the playoffs, finishing 12 games behind the Brewers

Overview

The 2018 Pittsburgh Pirates competed in Major League Baseball's National League Central division, marking their 12th full season at PNC Park. Under manager Clint Hurdle, the team showed modest improvement from their 2017 campaign but fell short of postseason contention.

The Pirates finished the regular season with an 82-79 record, their first winning season since 2015. Despite a strong first half, inconsistent pitching and offensive struggles in September kept them out of the Wild Card race.

Record: The team ended with an 82-79 win-loss record, their best mark since a 98-win season in 2015, but not enough for a playoff berth.
Division Standing: They placed third in the NL Central, finishing 12 games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.
Attendance: The Pirates drew 1,895,554 fans for the season, ranking 27th in MLB and reflecting declining interest compared to earlier years.
Manager:Clint Hurdle managed his seventh full season with the team, maintaining a positive clubhouse culture despite missed expectations.
Home Field: All home games were played at PNC Park, which celebrated its 17th season and continued to be praised for its scenic views and fan experience.

How It Works

The 2018 Pirates' season was defined by a transitional roster balancing veteran presence with emerging young talent. Key performances came from both established players and mid-season call-ups, shaping the team’s competitive identity.

Jameson Taillon: The right-handed starter posted a 14-10 record with a 3.20 ERA over 191 innings, becoming the most reliable pitcher in a rotation plagued by injuries.
Starling Marte: The center fielder hit .259 with 15 homers, 58 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases, showcasing his all-around skill despite missing time due to a suspension.
Josh Bell: In his first full season, Bell hit 26 home runs with 87 RBIs, emerging as the team’s most potent offensive threat at first base.
Iván Nova: Despite a 4.75 ERA, Nova led the team with 177.1 innings pitched but struggled with consistency, finishing 9-10 on the year.
Corey Dickerson: Acquired mid-season, Dickerson hit .304 in 58 games after the trade, providing a much-needed spark to the batting order.
Bullpen Usage: Closer Keone Kela recorded 24 saves after being traded to Pittsburgh, though the bullpen as a whole posted a 4.43 ERA.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 Pirates compared to recent seasons in key performance categories:

Season	Wins	Losses	Division Rank	Playoff Result
2018	82	79	3rd (NL Central)	Did not qualify
2017	75	87	4th	Did not qualify
2016	78	83	4th	Did not qualify
2015	98	64	2nd	Did not qualify
2014	88	74	2nd	Lost NL Wild Card

The 2018 season represented a step forward from the previous two losing years, but still fell well short of the success seen in 2013–2015 when the Pirates made three consecutive playoff appearances. While the offense improved, especially in home runs, the pitching staff’s inconsistency limited their ceiling.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was a transitional year that set the stage for Pittsburgh’s shift toward rebuilding. Though not a playoff team, it offered glimpses of future potential through young hitters and mid-season trades that prioritized long-term growth.

Development Focus: The Pirates emphasized player development, giving significant at-bats to Josh Bell, Colin Moran, and Adam Frazier, all under age 27.
Trade Strategy: At the deadline, they traded veterans like Stuart Fairchild and Felipe Vazquez to acquire prospects, signaling a pivot toward the future.
Attendance Trends: With fewest fans since 2008, the decline signaled growing fan frustration over sustained mediocrity.
Coaching Stability: Clint Hurdle remained manager, but front office changes hinted at strategic reevaluation behind the scenes.
Stadium Legacy: PNC Park continued to be a crown jewel in MLB, maintaining high ratings for fan experience despite on-field struggles.
Rebuilding Foundation: The season laid groundwork for a full rebuild that would accelerate in 2019–2020, culminating in top draft picks like Henry Davis.

Ultimately, the 2018 Pittsburgh Pirates were a team in flux—competitive enough to avoid last place but not strong enough to challenge for October. Their season reflected the challenges of mid-tier MLB franchises balancing present performance with future planning.