Which pitchers could the Pittsburgh Pirates face in a Wild Card game?

Aug 7, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jacob DeGrom – New York Mets

If at the beginning of the 2014 season you had asked Mets’ fans who would be their best pitcher the following season, there would probably be at least three names, and maybe more, that would have been listed ahead of Jacob DeGrom. But DeGrom now headlines a rotation that arguably would be the most talented of any in the majors in the postseason. This season, DeGrom leads all Met’s starters in ERA (2.13) and strikeouts (148), ahead of the likes of Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard. Plus, he has crazy hair. So there’s that.

DeGrom is 27, but it seems like he’s much younger. He came into the league when he was 25, and has absolutely dominated since then. He strikes out batters and has walked only 24 players this season, so you have to hit him to beat him. He also averages 6.6 innings per start, so chances are you’ll be seeing him for most of the game.

The Pirates have lucked out so far by not having to face DeGrom this year, and they’re not in line to face him when they play the Mets next weekend. So they’d most likely have to wait until a potential postseason matchup to see his stuff. Out of all of the starters the Pirates could face, he may be the biggest unknown. And that’s never a good thing.

Next: Zack Greinke