Pittsburgh Pirates: Internal Starting Rotation Options for 2022

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 24: Pitcher Miguel Yajure #89 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 24, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 24: Pitcher Miguel Yajure #89 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 24, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 20: Dillon Peters #38 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during a game between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 20: Dillon Peters #38 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during a game between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Dillon Peters

Lefty Dillon Peters came out of nowhere to put together 6 strong starts down the stretch. The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Peters from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash considerations on July 19th. After making 5 appearances at Triple-A, Peters joined the Pirate rotation and seized the opportunity.

Peters pitched 26.2 innings in his 6 starts. He walked 8.5% of batters faced, struck out 19.7%, allowed just 2 home runs, and posted a 3.71 ERA to go with a 3.66 FIP. Peters also posted a strong 48.7% ground ball rate. When you combine these results with the struggles of the Pirate starting rotation, Peters certainly made a strong case to have a spot in the 2022 rotation.

At 29-years-old Peters is unlikely to be any sort of long-term piece for the Pirates. However, he can certainly provide quality innings while the team waits for their pitching prospects to begin to reach the Majors. Also, being a lefty with multiple years of control, he could pitch his way into having some strong trade value.

Peters appears to be a safe bet to be on the Opening Day roster in some capacity. As of now, it would almost assuredly be as a member of the starting rotation. Regardless of who the Pirates add to their pitching staff this offseason, due to his performance last season Peters should have a spot on the staff.