In another edition of polls conducted by Bucs Dugout the results are in as fans were asked to vote on who they think the Pittsburgh Pirates’ team MVP would be through the early part of the season. The player that gathered the most votes was the Bucco’s slugging second-baseman, Brandon Lowe, as 67% of those who participated in the poll chose “Bam Bam” as the team’s MVP. The margins were not close as second place vote getter, Braxton Ashcraft, was only chosen by 10% of the fans that voted.
It is undeniable that Lowe has been on a tear in his first season with Pittsburgh. He was already big news when the Pirates traded for him this past offseason, but now that he’s blasting baseballs left, right and center, it may go down as one of the best trades in Pirates’ history. On the season Lowe is slashing .240/.325/.512 with 17 home runs, 46 RBIs and an .837 OPS. The 31-year-old second-baseman is currently tied for the 12th most home runs in baseball.
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Ashcraft gathered the second most MVP votes from fans at Bucs Dugout, but there was a large margin between himself and the leader Lowe. Still though Ashcraft has emerged as maybe the best pitcher for the Pirates in 2026. The 26-year-old righty has a 5-3 record with 90 strikeouts and a respectable 3.30 ERA. Ashcraft now looking fully healthy has been very efficient in his outings this season, and could be a potential All-Star for the National League.
Newcomer Ryan O’Hearn and second year Pirate Spencer Horwitz both made up 6% of the fan votes as they have been great sources of offensive consistency for the club. Horwitz has settled into the best option at first base for the Pirates, as his .281 average and nine homers have been bright spots for the team. Even with some injury struggles, O’Hearn too has been one of the best hitters for Pittsburgh as well with his 10 homers, .275 average and veteran leadership all helping this be one of the best teams the Pirates have fielded in a decade.
Rounding out the list was Paul Skenes who got 5% of all votes for team MVP while Oneil Cruz got 4%. Skenes is undeniably one of the best pitchers in baseball but he is admittedly having a bit of an off year. With that being said an off year for Skenes is still great for the most part. Oneil Cruz has really seemed to turn a corner this season at the plate as he’s already knocked in 14 homers this year. On the base pads Cruz has been very active once again as he’s stolen 21 bags so far. His move to the injured list and defensive shortcomings will hold him back from truly shining as the team’s MVP.
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FanDuel Sports Network has their list compiled of the most likely players to lead the league in homers by the end of the regular season. Brandon Lowe currently has the 21st best odds as a +17500 underdog to finish the year with the most home runs in baseball. Lowe also currently sits as a +30000 underdog to win National League MVP.
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