Braxton Ashcraft named Pirates Pitcher of the Year

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It was an incredible year for Braxton Ashcraft as he follows Paul Skenes as the Steve Blass Award winner as Pirates pitcher of the year, two other awards as voted on by the Pittsburgh baseball writers to a pair who came in one of the greatest trades in team history.

Brandon Lowe

The winner of the Roberto Clemente Award as team MVP. In his first year with the Bucs, the 32-year-old hit a Pirates record 33 home runs for a second baseman and also drove in a team best 93 runs. His work with Pirates coach Chris Truby, as explained to 93.7 The Fan’s Dan Zangrilli, improved his defense as well. The left-handed hitter becomes a free agent after 64 home runs in the last two seasons.

• Winner in 2025-Paul Skenes
• Others-Bryan Reynolds (3 times), Andrew McCutchen (6 times), Pirates broadcasters Neil Walker and Kevin Young, Willie Stargell, Dave Parker, Barry Bonds, Andy Van Slyke, Jack Wilson

Braxton Ashcraft

Injuries are what always held Ashcraft back, the 26-year-old threw nearly 100 more MLB innings this season than last going 14-6 with a 3.65 ERA. In 165.1 innings had only 35 walks and 173 strikeouts with a 1.09 WHIP. The righty worked efficiently and had 19 starts where he gave up two runs or less. The righty won’t be arbitration eligible until 2029 and a free agent until 2032.

• Winner in 2025-Paul Skenes (2 straight years)
• Others (award began in 2012)-Mitch Keller (2 times), AJ Burnett, Francisco Liriano, Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon, David Bednar, Pirates broadcaster Steven Brault

Jake Mangum

The outfielder part of the Lowe and Mason Montgomery (runner-up in Steve Blass Award voting) trade with Houston/Tampa Bay had an immediate connection with fans with his hustle and acknowledgement of the fans. Mangum was also cooperative with the media winning the Baseball Writers Chuck Tanner Award by one vote over Lowe. The 30-year-old also produced on the field hitting .279 with a .336 on-base percentage in filling in for a couple of months during Oneil Cruz’s injury and then earning other opportunities. The switch-hitter is arbitration eligible after next season and a free agent in 2031.

• Winner in 2025-Andrew McCutchen (previous 3 seasons)
• Others-now coach Jacob Stallings (twice), Jameson Taillon, Pirates broadcaster Jordy Mercer, Walker (3 times), Brault, Jack Wilson (twice), Jared Hughes (twice)