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Pittsburgh Pirates: Projecting the 2021 Starting Rotation

By Marty Leap

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MAY 01: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 01, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MAY 01: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on May 01, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh Pirates
Sep 18, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Wil Crowe (57) delivers a pitch in the 2nd inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

The Final Spot(s)

Entering Spring Training there will be a few pitchers competing for the final spot(s) in the Pirate starting rotation. The two many guys here are right-handed pitchers JT Brubaker and Wil Crowe. Although, righty Cody Ponce could be a facotr as well.

The Pittsburgh Pirates could still add a veteran starting pitcher via free agency as well. If they would, that veteran would be a safe bet to start the season in the Pirate starting rotation.

Brubaker made his MLB debut in 2020 and was the Pirate Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2018. In his 11 games, nine starts, Brubaker logged 47.1 inning and posted a 4.94 ERA. However, his ERA was ballooned due to one poor start, his 4.08 FIP and 4.51 DRA were more indicative of the pitcher he was.

Crowe was added in the Josh Bell trade. In 2020 Crowe made three starts for the Nationals and struggled. That said, it was just three starts and entered the season as a top five prospect for the Nats. If Crowe does not start the season in the Pirate starting rotation then he could be a member of the Opening Day bullpen.

Next. Bidding Adieu to Joe Musgrove. dark

While Ponce will likely start the 2021 season in the starting rotation at the Triple-A level, he will have an opportunity to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Esepcially if Brault is traded and no other starting pitchers are brought in, as that would likely lead to two of these three pitchers making the Opening Day roster.

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