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Pittsburgh Pirates: 3 Right-Handed Starting Pitchers Still Available in Free Agency to Pursue
By Marty Leap
Michael Wacha
Yet another familiar name from the NL Central, Michael Wacha is in search of a new team. The ex-Cardinal pitcher is coming off a strong season with the San Diego Padres. Wacha would make sense as a fit with the Pirates on a multi-year contract.
The 32-year-old righty posted a 3.22 ERA, 3.89 FIP, 7.8% walk rate, and a 22.4% strikeout rate in 134.1 innings pitched across 24 starts last season. This led to Wacha posting a 2.4 WAR, his highest since the 2017 season.
Wacha is another pitcher who has battled injuries at times in his career. When he first debut with the Cardinals in 2013, Wacha looked like a budding superstar. That included his dominant start against the Pirates in Game 4 of the NLDS in 2013 when the Cardinals were facing elimination.
In his 11-year career Wacha has pitched 1288 innings in 249 games, 228 of which have been starts. He owns a lifetime 3.96 ERA, 4.05 FIP, 7.6% walk rate, and 21.0% strikeout rate. Wacha would not just bolster the Pirate starting rotation, he would bring a veteran presence that is currently lacking.
Next. breaking down Gonzales. Breaking Down Marco Gonzales. dark