Expert's projected 2029 Pirates roster emphatically answers lingering pitching question

After David Bednar was shipped off to New York at the trade deadline, one question became very apparent for the Pittsburgh Pirates' decision-making brass: Who would be the new closer?

Dennis Santana slid into that role in the second half and generally excelled, locking down 16 saves while pitching to a 0.87 ERA in July and 1.46 ERA in September.

While that performance was impressive -- and part of a larger surge by the Pirates' pitching staff after the All-Star break -- Santana is 29 years old and under contract for only more season. Considering he also struggled badly in August (6.17 ERA, three home runs allowed) it's probably safe to say he isn't the closer of the future in the Burgh.

Well, Baseball America has taken it upon themselves to project the Pirates' starting lineup at the end of the decade, and among many surprises, their nod for the ninth-inning role is sure to lead to a lot of discourse.

Pirates prospect Antwone Kelly projected to be closer of the future in Pittsburgh

Before we hit on Antwone Kelly, let's acknowledge the gutsiness of some of these predictions by BA.

Depending on how you feel about Rafael Flores' defensive abilities behind the plate, there's not a lot to discuss regarding the infield. However, 34-year-old Bryan Reynolds in left field could be an ugly sight (assuming he hasn't been traded before then) and Oneil Cruz is due to be a free agent after 2028. Considering the trade rumors already surrounding the center fielder, it feels far-fetched to suggest the Pirates will extend him beyond his arbitration years.

Of course, the same is true regarding Paul Skenes, who, unfortunately, will probably be long gone by 2029 (his final year of team control). The rest of the rotation looks solid, and then it's Kelly who is listed as the team's projected closer.

After a difficult year at Single-A in 2024, Kelly had his prospect breakout this year, pitching to a 3.02 ERA in 107 1/3 innings while reaching Double-A Altoona. He made 25 starts while striking out 116 hitters, and perhaps Baseball America anticipates his 27.2% strikeout rate playing up even more in the bullpen.

Notably, the 22-year-old is Rule 5 eligible this offseason. Baseball America clearly expects the Pirates to protect the right-hander if they're projecting him for such an important role. Stashing him on the 40-man roster until he's ready for the big leagues isn't a crazy concept; after all, he's more likely to be swiped by a team that believes they can bury him in the bullpen, which BA clearly sees as a plausible outcome.

Kelly is one of the fastest rising prospects in the sport, cracking BA's top 10 in the Pirates' system after failing to even make their top 30 prior the 2025 season. He's got the raw stuff and pedigree to succeed in any role the team chooses for him, and with his triple-digit fastball making waves through the minor leagues, he could be the heir apparent to Bednar's vacant throne.