The Pirates' Rotation Dilemma: A Deep Dive into the Options
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been busy this offseason, focusing on bolstering their hitting prowess after a disappointing season where they finished last in scoring. To achieve this, they made some strategic trades, sending away young starters Mike Burrows and Johan Oviedo in exchange for bats like Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, and Jhostynxon Garcia. However, these moves have left a void at the end of their rotation, prompting the team to consider various options to fill the gap.
The Core of the Rotation: Skenes, Chandler, and Keller
Three players, Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, and Mitch Keller, are already locked into the rotation. Braxton Ashcraft, initially a multi-inning reliever, has also made a strong case for the No. 4 spot, showcasing his ability to limit earned runs in his recent appearances. Jared Jones, a right-hander, was set to be the final piece, but his season-ending UCL surgery in May has delayed his return.
The Incumbent: Carmen Mlodzinski
Among the current Pirates, Carmen Mlodzinski stands out. He made the most starts last season, pitching a career-high 99 innings between the rotation and the bullpen. However, his ERA was over 5.00, leading to a demotion to Triple-A Indianapolis in mid-May. Mlodzinski's struggles as a starter are evident, with a 4.47 ERA compared to a 2.71 mark as a reliever. The team might consider him more versatile than a locked-in rotation player.
The Rookies: Harrington and Barco
The 2022 draft's second and third picks, Thomas Harrington and Hunter Barco, are on the cusp of contributing to the big-league squad. Both made their MLB debuts last season but with limited appearances. They have options remaining and are long shots for the Opening Day roster, but their potential is intriguing.
Harrington's journey through the system hit a snag in 2025, with a 5.34 ERA and a middling strikeout rate. Barco, on the other hand, kept his ERA under 4.00 with impressive swing-and-miss numbers, though his control has been a concern. The fact that Barco succeeded in his brief MLB appearances while Harrington struggled might give him an edge.
The Classic Pittsburgh Free Agent: Left-Handed Veterans
The Pirates have a history of relying on veteran left-handed pitchers to eat innings at the back of the rotation. Anthony Franco of MLBTR highlights Jose Quintana, Martín Pérez, and Tyler Anderson as recent examples. This offseason, they added Andrew Heaney and Bailey Falter. General manager Ben Cherington has expressed interest in adding to the rotation, and Patrick Corbin, a 36-year-old left-hander, could be a potential candidate after a resurgence in Texas last year.
The Final Word
With Jared Jones' recovery timeline of 10 to 12 months, the Pirates have time to carefully consider their options. The team's rotation puzzle involves balancing experience, potential, and versatility, with the goal of finding the right mix to complement their improved hitting prowess.
