An Early Look Into The Pirates Starting Pitching Options This Winter

There is no hiding the fact that the Pittsburgh Pirates need to make upgrades to their lackluster 2019 starting rotation. Many across baseball believed that they had one of the best rotations in all of baseball coming into the season. But, things obviously have not panned out.

The theme for the Pittsburgh Pirates starting rotation has been inconsistency and flat out mediocrity. Jameson Taillon has lost basically the entirety of the 2019 season and now the 2020 season due to Tommy John surgery, Chris Archer has struggled with command, efficiency, and the long ball, and Trevor Williams has struggled to get outs. Joe Musgrove has been the most consistent pitcher in this rotation, but has struggled mightily in the later innings.

It appears that the 2020 starting rotation will most likely include Musgrove, Archer, Keller, and Williams. Steven Brault could also see an extended look next season. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Pirates pick up Archer’s option simply due to their lack of starting pitching depth. With the way Williams has pitched this season, he could be a candidate to be replaced via trade/FA signing.

I will highlight some likely starting pitching options that Neal Huntington could add to the mix in Pittsburgh.