Pirates may have uncovered another ace alongside Paul Skenes (and it's not who you think)

When people talk about the future of the Pittsburgh Pirates' starting rotation, the conversation almost always starts with Paul Skenes and eventually shifts to Jared Jones or Bubba Chandler.

But after what happened Sunday at PNC Park (and frankly, what's been happening all season), it's time to start including Braxton Ashcraft's name in that list. Maybe even near the top of it.

The Pirates completed a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins with a dominant 9-3 victory, and Ashcraft was the biggest reason why. In a situation where Pittsburgh desperately needed length after two short starts earlier in the series and the unexpected absence of Carmen Mlodzinski, Ashcraft delivered exactly what the team needed and then some.

The right-hander tossed six innings, allowed just two runs, struck out a career-high 11 batters and didn't issue a single walk. He became the first Pirates pitcher in the Modern Era to record at least 11 strikeouts and zero walks in 80 pitches or fewer.

In fact, "elite" has become a recurring theme when discussing Ashcraft's 2026 season — and that's not a word that gets thrown around lightly.

Through 12 starts, Ashcraft is 4-2 with a 2.77 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 81 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings. He ranks among the Major League leaders in innings pitched, strikeouts, ERA and WHIP. Those are frontline starter numbers, and he's producing them from the back of the rotation.

Braxton Ashcraft is quietly pitching his way into All-Star consideration for Pirates

What makes Ashcraft particularly dangerous is that he doesn't rely on one overpowering pitch. He attacks hitters with a deep arsenal, mixing a four-seam fastball, slider, curveball and changeup while consistently throwing strikes. Even on Sunday, when he felt his curveball wasn't particularly sharp, he simply adjusted and leaned on other weapons.

After all, that's what elite pitchers do.

The most impressive part of Ashcraft's breakout season might be how sustainable it all looks. Rather than merely surviving on good luck or unsustainable strikeout rates, he is consistently attacking the zone, limiting walks, working efficiently, and consistently pitching deep into games.

At this point, the Pirates may have uncovered something much bigger than a quality starter. They may have found another ace. And if Ashcraft keeps pitching like this, there is a legitimate argument that he deserves an All-Star nod right alongside — or perhaps even ahead of — Cy Young winner Paul Skenes.

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