Pittsburgh Pirates: Post-Work Stoppage Free Agent Starting Pitching Targets

General manager Ben Cherington has previously stated that the Pittsburgh Pirates would still like to add starting pitching help. When MLB’s work stoppage ends, these three free agents could be targeted by Cherington and the Pirates.

While the Major League Baseball work stoppage is continuing with no current end in sight, odds are, there will still be baseball this season. Honestly, it would still be a bit of a surprise if regular season games are missed. With that said, whenever the work stoppage ends the Pittsburgh Pirates will still have work to do with their offseason.

As we discussed last week the middle infield could be a revolving door, which may lead to the team looking to add a more consistent presence there. They need to figure out backup catcher and the bullpen, and, assuming the new CBA includes a universal DH, either first base or designate hitter, depending on where Yoshi Tsutsugo lands.

Ben Cherington has expressed a desire to add to the starting rotation before the start of the regular season. Earlier this offseason the Pittsburgh Pirates signed veteran lefty José Quintana to a one-year deal for 2022. The team will likely have Miguel Yajure and Bryse Wilson in the Opening Day rotation as well, but the other two rotation spots are currently a big question mark.

With plenty of starting pitching help coming from the minors in 2023, as well as Roansy Contreras (barring disaster) locking up a rotation spot at some point in 2022, they are unlikely to target any big free agent contracts with starting pitchers. However, additional help for 2022 is still needed, and these three starting pitchers could provide just that.