The Case for a Starter: Why the Pirates Can’t Roll the Dice on Youth Alone

Pittsburgh Pirates face a critical decision: can they really gamble on youth in the rotation, or is an innings-eating veteran starter a must-have to stabilize the pitching staff? Gary Morgan breaks down why nearly 500 innings walked out the door this offseason, making another dependable arm non-negotiable. Projected leaps from Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Bubba Chandler are promising, but unchecked optimism won’t plug the innings gap or provide the lefty balance needed for a grueling MLB season.

From Jose Quintana and Tyler Anderson as mid-rotation reinforcements to dream scenarios like Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez, explore which free agent moves fit best with Pittsburgh’s current needs. Key topics include managing young pitcher workloads, Don Kelly’s pitching blueprint, and how strategic acquisitions could transform the Pirates’ week-to-week plan. Will the front office make a bold move or risk bullpen burnout? The answer could define the 2024 season in the NL Central.

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Pittsburgh Pirates, Pirates rotation, Pirates starting pitcher, MLB free agency, Pirates pitching rumors, Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Bubba Chandler, Braxton Ashcraft, Carmen Mlodzinski, Jared Jones, Hunter Barco, Jordan Montgomery, John Means, Jose Quintana, Tyler Anderson, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, Chris Bassitt, Ranger Suarez, Pittsburgh Pirates news, Pirates offseason moves, Locked On Pirates

15 comments

  3. Ashcraft threw 118 innings between AAA and the majors. He is probably looking at 150-160 next year.

    Skenes 215
    Keller 200
    Chandler 170
    Ashcraft 160
    Barco 140

    Those are realistic innings totals for each based off of what they threw last season. That also comes up to 885 innings.

    I don't believe the rotation, at least those 5, is a problem, but if there is an injury then we have a problem. Mlodszinksi would probably be first guy up to spot start, after that there is Harrington, Kelly and Dotel. At some point, maybe Jones comes back to get a few starts, but I wouldn't bank on it.

    Do the Pirates absolutely have to add a starter, no, we saw with the Dodgers last year, teams don't need 5 starters giving teams 160-200 innings. I would be opposed to adding a starter, but my focus would still be on offense.

  4. Why don’t we grab Trevor Bauer I mean even if he’s kept in background he’s cheap I don’t care about reputation he’s got a huge following so not everyone hates him. I just think he has more in him and has the experience. If we want to win it all I say we go for it and think outside the box.

  5. IRT Jared Jones, outside of 44 innings at AA and 6 or 7 starts at the beginning of his major league career, what would lead anyone to believe he is anything more than a 4/5 starter or maybe a really good reliever? I don't see it and I never have. I hope he can prove me wrong.

  8. AMA that is more “culture” but relevant for most hear: How does the Post Gazette shutting down impact the media ecosystem for the Pirates? Does that mean more room for growth for you?

  13. I think people are talking about the wrong Angel as the last resort third baseman. Why is no one discussing Luis Rengifo? He's coming off a down year but he generally plays. He can field 3B or 2B and is a desperation SS or corner outfielder. He's a switch hitter to boot.
    So my question is why is Moncada the better option than Rengifo?

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