Jared Jones Rebounds from Surgery, Aims for 2026 Return with Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates enter the 2026 season with high hopes for their pitching staff, anchored by NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes and recovering right-hander Jared Jones. Jones endured a significant elbow injury in May 2025, requiring surgery, but recent updates suggest he is on track to return healthy and ready to contribute.

Jones, who returned to throwing in December and has resumed bullpen sessions, expressed enthusiasm about his recovery. “I’m feeling pretty good right now, haven’t had a pretty big hiccup yet… everything feels great, and like how it’s coming out the hand and getting ready to pitch again is what I’m looking forward to most here,” he told MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf.

The Pirates are counting on Jones to complement Skenes, forming a dynamic duo known as the “Hundo Boys” for their 100+ mph fastballs. Since arriving in Pittsburgh as rookies in 2024, the pair have become close friends and key contributors to the rotation.

While Skenes had a standout season in 2025, finishing 10-10 with a 1.97 ERA, Jones is focused on bouncing back from surgery and reclaiming his place as a consistent force in the rotation. The upcoming season represents a pivotal moment for both pitchers and the team’s pitching staff overall.

1. Recovery and Readiness

Jones’ rehabilitation has progressed smoothly, giving the Pirates confidence in his ability to return for the 2026 campaign. Returning to throwing and bullpen sessions has allowed him to regain strength, feel the baseball, and rebuild the mechanics disrupted by injury. His positive outlook reflects both physical readiness and mental resilience. “Let’s f—-ing go!” Jones exclaimed on the first day back on the mound, signaling his determination to overcome setbacks and return to high-level performance. The Pirates have monitored his progress closely, with reports indicating no major complications or setbacks during recovery. This smooth rehabilitation is critical for maintaining the stability and depth of Pittsburgh’s rotation, which struggled at times during Jones’ absence in 2025. Jones’ early success in returning to structured throwing exercises bodes well for his timeline, with the team hopeful he can contribute effectively from Opening Day. His preparation highlights both commitment and a professional approach to recovery.

2. Performance History and Role

Before the injury, Jones appeared in 22 games during the 2024 season, posting a 6-8 record with a 4.14 ERA. While not as dominant as Skenes, his velocity and strikeout ability quickly made him an essential piece of Pittsburgh’s rotation. The pairing of Jones and Skenes, dubbed the “Hundo Boys,” has brought excitement to the Pirates’ fanbase. Their shared history as roommates and rookies forged a close bond, while their combined ability to throw triple-digit fastballs has made them central figures in the staff. Jones’ 2026 role will likely involve both starting and providing innings behind Skenes, offering strikeout potential and depth for a rotation that aims to improve on last year’s struggles. His presence also allows the Pirates to develop a consistent and intimidating rotation capable of competing in the NL Central. The dynamic between Skenes and Jones emphasizes the value of high-velocity arms in modern baseball, and Pittsburgh is counting on both to drive the team’s pitching success in the upcoming season.

3. Team Outlook and Expectations

With Jones on the mend and Skenes coming off a Cy Young season, the Pirates enter 2026 with a rotation capable of anchoring a playoff push. The pair’s combined strikeout ability and velocity create a foundation for sustained success in the NL Central. The Pirates’ coaching staff will carefully manage Jones’ innings and workload to ensure long-term health while maximizing effectiveness. Balancing recovery and competition will be key to keeping him on track throughout the season. The bond between Jones and Skenes also provides leadership and camaraderie in the clubhouse, setting an example for younger pitchers and contributing to overall team culture. Their chemistry has already proven influential on and off the field. If Jones can return to form alongside Skenes, Pittsburgh could emerge as a much-improved contender, blending top-end pitching talent with developing position players to strengthen the roster.