FanGraphs predicts bizarre Pirates roster shakeup after Jared Jones injury

After discovering the Jared Jones injury, we've seen a whirlwind of ideas thrown around about what is to follow and how the Pirates may handle things internally. The starting pitching depth is so vast in Pittsburgh's organization that they do have a ton of options.

The Jared Jones injury has led FanGraphs to project a crazy outcome for the Pirates' Opening Day roster.

FanGraphs, specifically, has presented an idea for the roster that seems possible, but would be a massive mistake. They foresee Carmen Mlodzinski rounding out the rotation, with Tanner Rainey joining the bullpen.

There has been talk all spring about building Mlodzinski up as a starter/wild card option, but that seems like a risky idea, given the instability of the bullpen and his past arm injuries.

There are other options that make more sense for this team, especially with the deep pitching staff in Triple-A. Thomas Harrington seems like a legitimate option, along with Bubba Chandler, Mike Burrows, and Braxton Ashcraft, but FanGraphs projects them on the Triple-A roster to start the season.

It is not like they are worried about freeing up a roster spot, either, because another move FanGraphs predicts will happen involves adding Rainey to the 40-man. After his spring, that makes sense, and the righty could be a productive addition. So far, Rainey has produced a 1.29 ERA with a 14.14 K/9 and a WHIP of 0.57. He has really impressed this spring, and has made his case for a spot, but it just would not make sense to add him and put Mlodzinski in the rotation.

To avoid more issues this season, they should simply just keep Mlodzinski as a high-leverage reliever in the bullpen. Mlodzinski was formerly a starter when drafted, but was inconsistent, and pushing him to a relief role has worked out well for him, establishing himself in Pittsburgh. Why change that, especially since he has found success in a bullpen that collapsed in 2024, due in large part to their arms in key roles?

The no brainer answer here is for Harrington to start the year in the rotation. He is built up, he has impressed, and he is a top prospect in all of baseball. Don't mess this up, Cherington.