Pirate free agent target: Jaime Garcia

This offseason the Pittsburgh Pirates need to add to their starting rotation and a potential free agent fit is left-handed starting pitcher Jaime Garcia

As things currently stand, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ starting rotation seems full. Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon, Ivan Nova, Trevor Williams, and Chad Kuhl all have rotation spots on lockdown. Steven Brault and Tyler Glasnow are in the mix as well.

Despite this, the Pirates could use starting pitching help this offseason. They could especially use a left-handed starting pitcher. One free agent starting pitcher that fits this bill is veteran lefty Jaime Garcia.

The 31-year-old Jaime Garcia has pitched in the Major Leagues for nine years. After spending the first eight with the St. Louis Cardinals, he pitched for the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, and New York Yankees last season.

Garcia made 27 starts in 2017 and logged 157 innings. After averaging 7.39 K/9, 3.67 BB/9, and 1.03 HR/9, he posted a 4.41 ERA, 4.25 FIP, and a 2.1 fWAR last season.

During his St. Louis career, Garcia averaged 7.26 K/9, 2.62 BB/9, and 0.79 HR/9 in 896 innings pitched. He owned a 56.5 percent groundball rate, a 3.57 ERA, 3.56 FIP, and a fWAR of 13.5.

Being a left-handed pitcher would make Jaime Garcia a great fit for PNC Park. Mix in his lifetime 56.2 percent groundball rate, and Garcia would be a great fit for the Pittsburgh Pirates and PNC Park.

Throughout his career Garcia has been plagued by injuries. He made 28 starts in 2010, 32 starts in 2011, and 30 starts in 2016. Outside of these three seasons his career high in starts for a season is 20 in 2015. But if healthy, Garcia and his groundball prowess makes him a solid middle of the rotation starting pitcher.

Next: Turning Tyler Glasnow into Archie Bradley

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ starting rotation is in dire need of a left-handed pitcher. Veteran lefty Jaime Garcia could be a great fit for the Pirates and this makes him a free agent target for the Bucs this offseason.