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Rum Bunter’s 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates Staff Predictions: Stephen Strosko
Team Cy Young – Joe Musgrove
This is an easy one for me. Joe Musgrove combines a relatively high ceiling with years of solid performances. Musgrove was virtually viewed as the team’s ace with Jameson Taillon’s early departure last season, and I believe he fully steps into that role this season. Musgrove’s 4.44 ERA is 2019 is relatively deceptive due to the Pittsburgh Pirates extremely poor defense. Because of this, FIP is a better metric (which takes fielding into consideration) and in 2018 and 2019 Musgrove posted solid FIPs of 3.59 and 3.82.
I would go even a step further and say that the pitching staff injuries, the catching woes, and the pitching staff drama of last season also had a negative effect on Musgrove’s metrics. Taking 2019 out of the picture, Musgrove has shown year to year improvements since joining the MLB. The eye-test also checks out positive for Musgrove.
Musgrove is a true five-pitch pitcher (fastball, cutter, change up, slider, and curveball) that has shown streaks where he completely dominates opposing teams. If the Pirates do not completely fall apart this season, I can see Musgrove post a respectable 3.40 ERA and go 7-3.