For the third consecutive season, the Pirates won the National League East title with a record of 96–66.

But their season came to an abrupt end when they allowed 3 runs to the Braves, capped by Francisco Cabrera's two-run RBI single to score David Justice and an injured Sid Bream, a former Pirate.

The loss was so agonizing for the Pirates that it contributed to a 20-year drought that saw them fail to clinch a winning season or postseason berth until 2013.

As of 2024 this is the Pirates' most recent division title, making it the longest such active drought in Major League Baseball.

Infielders Coaches Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg.