MLB · NL Central
Pittsburgh Pirates news Friday, November 13, 2026
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The 30-second version
The 5-minute version
202682–80
3rd NL Central · Missed playoffs
Fri, Feb 19 vs Blue Jays
No. 1 in the 30-second version
Pirates extended a qualifying offer to second baseman Brandon Lowe, who has until November 17 to decide.
The blog says Lowe has been projected to earn between $45 million and $150 million in free agency. It suggests Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Phillies pending free agent Luis Arraez as alternatives.
Source: Bucs Dugout
From Wednesday
Pirates GM Ben Cherington reportedly says Mitch Keller is healthy and throwing ahead of 2027.
Keller went 6-8 with a 5.29 ERA last season and then ended it on the 60-day injured list with a grade 3 muscle strain. Cherington said the team needs more from him in 2027, and Keller is scheduled to earn $18 million next season and $20 million the year after, according to Bucs Dugout.
Source: Bucs Dugout
From Tuesday
Pirates are ranked 15th in Will Leitch's MLB.com power rankings, behind seven NL clubs.
Leitch wrote that the Pirates' offense exceeded expectations and that Paul Skenes should be much better in 2027. Bucs Dugout, a fan blog, notes the team had its first winning season since 2018 and says a playoff push would need free agency upgrades or prospect growth.
Source: Bucs Dugout
Around the MLB
No. 2 in the 30-second version
Braves sign former Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips to a three-year, $35 million contract.
Phillips, 32, will make $11 million in 2027 and 2028 and $13 million in 2029, and the Braves said he will donate 1% of his salary to their charitable foundation. He posted a 3.46 ERA in 31 games for the Dodgers in 2026 after returning from Tommy John surgery, and he had not allowed a run in 17 career postseason appearances. The Braves were looking for late-inning help after closer Raisel Iglesias became a free agent.
Sources: ESPN · NBC Sports · MLB.com · USA TODAY Sports
No. 3 in the 30-second version
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong wins unanimous National League MVP, beating Shohei Ohtani.
Crow-Armstrong hit 45 home runs, stole 41 bases, drove in 107 runs and batted .280 this season. Yahoo Sports reported he received all 30 first-place votes from the BBWAA, with Ohtani getting 26 second-place votes. He is the first Cubs player to win the award since Kris Bryant in 2016.
Sources: CBS Sports · LA Times · Yahoo Sports · NBC Sports Philadelphia
Astros name Brad Ausmus manager, a former Houston catcher who was Yankees bench coach.
Ausmus, 57, previously managed the Tigers from 2014 to 2017 and the Angels in 2019, according to The Crawfish Boxes, a fan blog. The Astros' general manager Randy Flores announced the hire, and a press conference was scheduled for Friday at 10 AM. Lone Star Ball, a fan blog, reports Ausmus is close with former teammate Jeff Bagwell, an advisor to owner Jim Crane, which raises questions about how much power Flores has.
Sources: CBS Sports · ESPN · Lookout Landing · The Crawfish Boxes
Pat Murphy wins NL Manager of the Year for a third straight season, and Will Venable wins AL honors.
ESPN reports Murphy became the first manager to win NL Manager of the Year three straight seasons. According to South Side Sox, Venable finished with 111 points, ahead of Kevin Cash and Chad Tracy, and the White Sox went 84-78 to make the postseason for the first time since 2021. The honors were voted on by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Sources: CBS Sports · ESPN · Brew Crew Ball · South Side Sox
Yankees have reportedly talked trade with the Rangers about Corey Seager, per Jon Heyman.
MLB Trade Rumors' Darragh McDonald notes Seager has full no-trade protection, and CBS Sports says he has five years and roughly $155 million left on his contract. The Yankees have also been linked to Luis Arraez, Brandon Lowe and Carson Kelly. Pinstripe Alley and SB Nation both note that CBA negotiations could delay major moves.
Sources: CBS Sports · Pinstripe Alley
How this is made: Summaries are written with AI from the linked reporting. For the full account, read the sources.