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 lineup, their pitching rotation now faces a glaring void. Let’s dive into why this matters and who might step up to fill the gap.
After finishing dead last in scoring last season, the Pirates have spent the offseason prioritizing offense, trading away young starters like Mike Burrows and Johan Oviedo to bring in more bats. Burrows was shipped to Houston in a three-way deal that landed them Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum, while Oviedo was sent to Boston for Jhostynxon Garcia. And this is the part most people miss—these moves, while addressing one weakness, have left the rotation thin, particularly at the back end.
The locks for the rotation are clear: Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, and Mitch Keller. Braxton Ashcraft, a young righty who transitioned from a multi-inning reliever to a starter, has a strong case for the No. 4 spot. In his final nine appearances last season, Ashcraft either started or piggybacked with another starter, allowing two earned runs or fewer in all but one outing. But who will round out the group? That’s where things get interesting.
Jared Jones would be the obvious choice if not for his UCL surgery last May. While he’s expressed optimism about his recovery, even throwing two bullpens a week and mixing in offspeed pitches, the typical 10- to 12-month recovery timeline makes an Opening Day return unlikely. Pittsburgh will likely play it safe with their prized asset, leaving the door open for others.
Here’s where opinions start to clash—who should step into that fifth starter role? Let’s break down the contenders.
The Incumbent: Carmen Mlodzinski
Mlodzinski made the most starts of any current Pirate not named Skenes or Keller last season, tossing a career-high 99 innings. However, his 4.47 ERA as a starter compared to a 2.71 mark as a reliever raises questions. While he’s versatile and has a deep arsenal, opponents hit .381 against him the second time through the order. Is he better suited for a swingman role rather than a locked-in rotation spot? It’s a debate worth having.
The Rookies: Thomas Harrington and Hunter Barco
Pittsburgh’s 2022 draft picks are knocking on the door, but both are long shots for the Opening Day roster. Harrington struggled at Triple-A last season, posting a 5.34 ERA and failing to reach a 22% strikeout rate. Barco, on the other hand, kept his ERA under 4.00 but battled control issues with a 13% walk rate. His three scoreless innings in the majors last season might give him the edge, but is that enough to secure a spot? What do you think—is Barco the better bet, or is Harrington’s potential worth another look?
The Classic Pittsburgh Free Agent
If history is any guide, the Pirates will likely turn to a veteran lefty to fill the void. Names like Jose Quintana, Martín Pérez, and Tyler Anderson have all played this role in recent years, with Andrew Heaney and Bailey Falter stepping in last season. General manager Ben Cherington has hinted at adding rotation depth, and free agents like Patrick Corbin—who rebounded with a sub-4.00 ERA in Texas last year—could fit the bill. But is relying on a soft-tossing veteran the right move, or should the Pirates take a chance on younger talent?
Here’s a thought-provoking question to leave you with: In a league increasingly dominated by power pitching, is Pittsburgh’s strategy of leaning on veteran lefties a smart, cost-effective approach, or are they missing an opportunity to develop homegrown talent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a discussion that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
