Dennis Santana and Johan Oviedo are Out of Minor League Options for 2026, and they are on the 40-man roster which if they stay on the 40-man they will need to make the 26-man roster out of spring training.
However, it is likely if Oviedo and Santana are on the 40-man roster come next year, they will also be on the active roster.
But what about other pitchers on the 40-man roster? Mike Burrows, Justin Lawrence, and Yohan Ramírez are all out of options for next year. The only one with starter potential in this group is Mike Burrows. He has played well in the majors since coming back from Tommy John. He is a former fringe top 100 prospect, and has a 4.08 ERA and 4.29 FIP in 19 appearances including 16 starts totalling 81.2 innings. That is good enough for a back of the rotation stater, and shows he has the stuff specifically a mid 90's fastball and a fantastic change-up to pitch from the pen as well. Assuming he is healthy, I think he is a lock for the team next year.
Justin Lawrence has a high ceiling. He was the Rockies closer before they put him on waivers. He is currently on a rehab assignment trying to get his control back. He throws a mid 90s fastball with an absolutly elite sweeper with almost 3000 RPMs. His xBA and xSLG against the pitch is .127 and .130, respectively. The Pirates like tools with high ceilings even if the player himself doesn't have a high ceiling for example Alexander Canario. I expect the Pirates will give him every opportunity to get his control back after his rehab assignment.
Yohan Ramírez seems to be the only player on this list who the management and front office seem ok to let go due the combination of no options and the 40-man roster crunch that is about to happen this offseason. He pitched well against the Dodgers yesterday, but his numbers have been bleak this season with a 5.67 ERA and -.3 bWAR. Those numbers are even better than last season. He pitched for 4 teams last year and had a negative bWAR in all of them. His best traits is his combination of good extension and good velocity. His walk rate is ok and K rates are good, but he leaves too many pitches over the heart of the plate.
If Ramírez finishes the season strong, the Bucs may want to hang on to him as well.