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As the Pittsburgh Pirates continue to search for starting pitching help this offseason, they remain connected to right-handed pitcher Tyson Ross.
The Pittsburgh Pirates still need at least two starting pitchers. Their current 2017 rotation features Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon, and Chad Kuhl as locks. However, that still leaves two spots.
During the Winter Meetings earlier this month it was reported the Pirates were in contact with free agent starting pitcher Tyson Ross. Ross became a free agent earlier this month when the San Diego Padres non-tendered him. Tyson Ross being non-tendered came as a surprise.
Despite making just one start in 2016 due to injury, Ross still appears to have plenty left in the tank. And this has drawn the attention of many Major League Baseball teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates.
According to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports, there are approximately 20 teams interested in Tyson Ross. However, he list five teams that are the most interested in Tyson Ross and the Pirates are one of these teams. The other four teams are the Cubs, Indians, Padres, and Rangers.
Personally, I believe Ross would be a great fit for the Pirates. In fact, I wrote about the Pirates and Ross earlier this offseason. First I said the Pirates should target Ross in trade talks. Then when the Padres released him, I said they should pursue him in free agency.
It is no guarantee that Tyson Ross will be ready for the start of the 2017 season. However, if he misses any time in the regular season it should be at max three or four starts. His Steamer Projections for 2017 are also strong.
Tyson Ross is projected to average 8.51 K/9, while posting a 3.63 ERA and a 3.64 FIP in 2017. He is also projected to accumulate a 2.7 WAR. These are the numbers of a strong number three starting pitcher.
Tyson Ross throws a plus fastball and has a filthy slider. If the Pittsburgh Pirates are able to ink him to a deal this offseason, in my opinion, it would be a great move by the Pirates. And it appears the Pirates are pursuing him seriously.