The Pittsburgh Pirates' pitching rotation is on the brink of a major transformation, but it’s not all smooth sailing. Here’s the catch: while the team’s ace, Paul Skenes, is undeniably a game-changer, the rest of the rotation is a mix of unproven talent and injury-prone hopefuls. Let’s dive into why Braxton Ashcraft’s recent health milestone, though promising, shines a spotlight on a deeper roster dilemma.
Braxton Ashcraft, the Pirates’ 2018 second-round pick, has finally had his first injury-free offseason—a huge win for both him and the team. After years of setbacks that delayed his MLB debut until 2025, Ashcraft is now poised to step into a starting role. But here’s where it gets tricky: his return to health, while great news, underscores the fragility and inexperience of the Pirates’ projected rotation. Ashcraft himself has only logged 69.2 innings, mostly in relief, and his long-term durability remains a question mark.
And this is the part most people miss: the Pirates’ rotation is theoretically strong, but it’s built on potential, not proven performance. Skenes is a superstar, but even the best pitcher can’t carry a team alone. Mitch Keller’s trade rumors may finally be put to rest, but that doesn’t solve the problem of the other three-fifths of the rotation being, well, uncertain.
Take Bubba Chandler, for example. He’s electric, but his 31.1 innings in the big leagues last year showed there’s still room to grow. Ashcraft, despite his talent (which even caught the eye of the New York Mets), comes with injury concerns that could derail his progress. Then there’s Carmen Mlodzinski, who’s bounced between the bullpen and rotation, leaving him light on experience. Here’s the controversial part: all three are right-handed, creating an imbalance that could cost the Pirates in matchups against left-handed hitters.
General Manager Ben Cherington has acknowledged the need for another starter, but so far, no moves have been made. While fans dream of a co-ace to pair with Skenes, the reality is the Pirates need veteran stability—preferably a left-handed innings eater—to anchor the back end of the rotation. Free agency options are dwindling, but names like Jose Quintana, Tyler Anderson, or Patrick Corbin could fit the bill. If the Pirates ditch the lefty requirement, Nick Martinez, with his solid track record in Cincinnati, could be a fallback.
But here’s the real question: Can the Pirates afford to rely solely on their young arms without a safety net? While the potential for greatness is there, the risk of collapse is equally high. Is it worth gambling on unproven talent, or should the Pirates prioritize proven stability? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
The Pirates’ winter shouldn’t end without addressing this critical need. Their young pitchers might soar, but without a veteran to catch them if they falter, the team could be in for a bumpy ride. The clock is ticking—will Cherington make the move?
