WATCH: National Insider Ken Rosenthal Rips Pirates’ Bob Nutting; ‘Why Not Sell the Team?’

Bob Nutting has been under scrutiny among Pittsburgh Pirates’ fans for years and it’s understandable as to why.

You know the history. The Pirates haven’t won a playoff series since 1979. The endured a two-decade long stretch of consecutive losing seasons. Since Nutting took over as owner in 2007, the Pirates have had four winning seasons and just three playoff appearances in consecutive years from 2013-15.

And of course, the Pirates are routinely near the bottom of the league in payroll. The biggest ever free agent contract given by the Pirates is still a three-year, $39 million pact with Francisco Liriano a decade ago. Under Ben Cherington’s watch as general manager, there hasn’t been a single multi-year free agent contract.

The general consensus among the fanbase is that Nutting and the Pirates care more about turning a profit instead of building a winning team. The frustration around the city feels deeper and more intense than ever before.

Fans have longed called for Nutting to sell the team. Some even paid for billboards around the city to strengthen their cause.

But in addition to long-suffering fans, people within the industry have taken notice. Longtime baseball insider Ken Rosenthal, who currently writes for The Athletic, is the latest to give his opinion.

“If you’re not going to try, and in many ways they are not trying from a major-league standpoint, then just get out and get a new owner,” Rosenthal said bluntly on the Foul Territory podcast.

Rosenthal’s full comments on Nutting can be found below. It’s worth a watch.

If Pirates ownership isn't going to try, then just get out and give the fans a new owner, says @Ken_Rosenthal. pic.twitter.com/1duK5cXUwE

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 21, 2025