Pittsburgh Pirates Still in the Market for Starting Pitching

While meeting with the media on Wednesday night prior to the CBA expiring and Major League Baseball’s work stoppage beginning, general manager Ben Cherington told the media that the Pittsburgh Pirates are still in the market for additional starting pitching help

Entering the offseason one of the biggest needs for the Pittsburgh Pirates was starting pitching. This is an area the team has already addressed in multiple ways. Despite this, it appears that, when MLB’s lockout ends, the Pirates will continue to search for starting pitching help.

Last month the Pittsburgh Pirates signed veteran left-handed starting pitcher José Quintana to a one-year deal worth $2 million dollars. With this, Quintana is set to be part of the Pirate starting rotation in 2022.

In addition to adding Quintana, the Pirates also brought in righty Zach Thompson as part of the Jacob Stallings trade. Odds are, Thompson, like Quintana, will join the Pirate rotation when the 2022 season begins.

Despite these addition it appears the Pirates will remain in the market to add starting pitching help before Opening Day. At least, this is what general manager Ben Cherington told the media on Wednesday.

Obviously, the current work-stoppage throws a wrench in these plans. Until the lockout ends, whenever that may be, no MLB teams can make any trades, free agent signings, etc. This will make it impossible for the Pirates to add to their starting pitching pool.

When examining the current state of the Pirate starting rotation it is easy to see why they still want to add starting pitching help. In addition to Quintana and Thompson, Bryse Wilson and Miguel Yajure appear to be safe bets to be in the Opening Day rotation. This is due to the Pirates being prepared to give Wilson and Yajure every opportunity possible to see what they can do at the Major League level.

JT Brubaker will also be in completion for a rotation spot, as well as Dillon Peters and Wil Crowe. Although, all three of those appear to be better suited for the bullpen. The team could also use starting pitching depth in case any of their young arms do not pan out and struggle. Whenever the lockout ends, look for the Pirates to continue to pursue starting rotation help.