Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Goals For 2021
By Marty Leap
Figuring out what you have in a group of pitchers
Odds are high that the Pirate Opening Day roster will including Jameson Taillon, Mitch Keller, Chad Kuhl, and JT Brubaker. In 2021, the Pittsburgh Pirates need to figure out what they have in each of these four pitchers moving forward.
Can Taillon get and stay healthy? If this happens, is he best served as an extension candidate or as a trade candidate? Are Kuhl and Brubaker best suited to work as starting pitchers or relievers? Can Keller put it all together and pitch well?
While Taillon is in a bit of a different boat due to being a free agent after the 2022 season, if one of the other three pitchers can emerge as a quality MLB starting pitcher that would be a big boost for the Pirates’ long term outlook. If two of the three hit, or if another pitcher hits as a reliever, that is also a big plus for the Pirates.
Next. Potential Roles For Phillip Evans In 2021. dark
As for Taillon, if he is healthy and pitches well that’s a win-win for the Pittsburgh Pirates. If he pitches well it will help the Pirates win games and will make him an extension candidate. It could also make him a very, very valuable trade chip. Regardless, seeing progression from these four pitchers will be key for the Pirates in 2021.