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Pittsburgh Pirates: Internal Starting Rotation Options for 2022
By Marty Leap
Steven Brault and Chad Kuhl
Making their MLB debuts in 2016, Steven Brault and Chad Kuhl join Jacob Stallings as the longest tenured Pirates. With six seasons as members of the Pittsburgh Pirates under their belt, both Brault and Kuhl’s tenures in Pittsburgh could be ending soon.
Following a strong final four months of the 2019 season and a strong abbreviated 2020 season, Brault appeared to be turning the corner. He was then limited to just 7 starts, in which he posted a 5.86 ERA and a 4.62 FIP, in 2021 due to injury.
With Brault set to hit free agency following the 2022 season the Pirates could look to trade him this offseason. That could be difficult to do, however, as he has pitched just 70.1 innings the past two seasons due to COVID and injuries. If the Pirates do not move Brault it would not be a stunner to see him be non-tendered by the team, but if he is still a Pirate when Opening Day rolls around he will be in the starting rotation.
Prior to 2021 Kuhl had spent his entire career as a starting pitcher, this was despite many people long speculating that his best long-term home could be the bullpen. After returning from injury in August he pitched solely in relief. Overall, he struggled in 2021 posting a 4.82 ERA, 5.31 FIP, 12% walk rate and a 1.46 HR/9 in 80.1 innings pitched.
Kuhl is certainly a strong non-tender candidate this offseason. If the Pirates do keep Kuhl around he will likely be given an opportunity to earn a rotation spot in the spring, but, most likely, if he is on the Opening Day roster of the Pittsburgh Pirates it would be as a relief pitcher.