Here’s a bold statement for you: the Pittsburgh Pirates’ rotation is in flux, and it’s a situation that could define their season. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the team has been laser-focused on bolstering their hitting after finishing dead last in scoring last season, their pitching rotation now faces a glaring void. Let’s break it down.
Pittsburgh’s offseason moves have been all about adding more bats. They traded young starters Mike Burrows and Johan Oviedo, landing players like Brandon Lowe and Jhostynxon Garcia in the process. And this is the part most people miss—while these moves make sense for a team desperate to score runs, they’ve left the Pirates scrambling to fill out their starting rotation. Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, and Mitch Keller are locks, but who will round out the group? That’s the million-dollar question.
Braxton Ashcraft has a strong case for the No. 4 spot. The young right-hander transitioned from a multi-inning reliever to a starter last season, showing promise with only one outing where he allowed more than two earned runs in his final nine appearances. But is he ready to carry that momentum into a full season? It’s a gamble worth watching.
Then there’s Jared Jones, the obvious choice if he were healthy. Unfortunately, the right-hander underwent UCL surgery in May, and while he’s optimistic about his recovery, the typical 10-to-12-month timeline makes an Opening Day return unlikely. Here’s a thought-provoking question—should the Pirates rush their prized asset back, or play it safe and risk leaving a hole in the rotation?
Let’s talk candidates for that fifth starter spot. Carmen Mlodzinski, the incumbent, has been a versatile asset since his 2023 debut, but his 4.47 ERA as a starter compared to 2.71 as a reliever suggests he’s better suited for a bullpen role. Rookies Thomas Harrington and Hunter Barco are intriguing but face long odds. Harrington struggled at Triple-A last season, while Barco showed promise in his brief MLB stint. But here’s the real debate—is it wiser to give a rookie a shot or stick with a veteran?
Speaking of veterans, the Pirates have a history of relying on seasoned lefties to eat innings at the back of the rotation. Names like Jose Quintana, Martín Pérez, and Tyler Anderson come to mind. This season, Patrick Corbin, who rebounded from a rough stretch in Washington to post a sub-4.00 ERA in Texas last year, could fit the bill. But here’s where opinions will clash—is signing another soft-tossing lefty a safe bet, or is it time for the Pirates to take a risk on younger talent?
As the season approaches, the Pirates’ rotation remains a fascinating puzzle. Will they lean on unproven rookies, give Mlodzinski another shot, or stick with their classic free-agent strategy? One thing’s for sure—how they answer this question could make or break their season. What’s your take? Let’s hear it in the comments!
