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3 low-risk, high-reward free agent starting pitcher options for the Pirates

A low-cost starting pitching option with a ton of potential might do the Pirates a lot of good.
ByNoah Wright|
Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler (21) pitches during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler (21) pitches during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees in game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Walker Buehler

Not long ago, Walker Buehler (who happens to be a former Pirates draft pick) was considered one of baseball’s best starting pitchers. From 2018 through 2021, Buehler pitched 564 innings, working to an outstanding 2.62 ERA, 3.16 FIP, and 0.99 WHIP for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander struck out 27.7% of his opponents with a walk rate of just 6.1%. He also had just a 0.61 HR/9 rate.

Buehler made two All-Star games, was a Rookie of the Year finalist, and received Cy Young votes in 2019 and 2021. 2022 was expected to be another big year for the right-hander, but Buehler was limited to just a dozen starts before suffering an injury and eventually undergoing Tommy John surgery. This kept him out for all of 2023, and he wouldn’t return until 2024, which ended up being a bumpy season. Not only did Buehler miss time because of a hip injury, but the right-hander also did not perform like his former self when he was able to take the mound.

Buehler had just a 5.38 ERA, 5.54 FIP, and 1.55 WHIP in just 75.1 innings pitched. While the right-hander still limited walks at a solid rate of 8.1%, it was a downturn from his 2018-2021 peak. Far more worrisome was a huge drop in K% to just 18.6% and a massive spike in home run rate to 1.91-per-9. There were some positives, such as Buehler carrying an above-average 6.9% barrel rate and having some strong outings during the Dodgers’ World Series run, but it ultimately was not a good season for the former All-Star.

Buehler hasn’t had a truly healthy season since 2021. He’ll likely sign a low-cost, incentive-laden deal or possibly a contract with a player option for 2026. While it has been a while since Buehler has been truly effective, it would definitely be worth the risk to take him on. The Pirates have enough depth to cover for him if he struggles, but if he rebounds, then the Pirates get an ace-caliber pitcher on a very low-cost deal. Some have already made the connection between Buehler and the Pirates.

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