Pittsburgh Pirates: 3 More Starting Pitching Targets

A few days ago we did the first edition of this article.  We looked at pitchers such as Sonny Gray, Kevin Gausman, and Chris Archer. All three whom are controlled past this season.  The same can be said about Ervin Santana and Michael Fulmer.  The reason is that the Pittsburgh Pirates are still a fringe playoff contender.  Adding a starter could give them the push they need to sneak in the Wild Card spot.  If not, this team has shown plenty of upside for next season.  The Pittsburgh Pirates could secure one of these pitchers now to help next year as well.

Obviously, Tyson Ross is a rental pitcher.  Let’s be honest, it is rare that Pittsburgh Pirate general manager Neal Huntington makes a blockbuster move.  So adding a controllable starter does not seem as likely.  So the next best thing would be to get a reclamation starter who has a lot of upside.  Acquiring Ross could be very similar to when the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired J.A. Happ in 2015.  He would cost less in prospects and less financial commitment.  However, it should not be about the money at this point, but rather giving a reason for the fans to believe that the team is trying to push for the playoffs.