Pittsburgh Pirates: Three More Starting Pitchers to Pursue in Free Agency

These three starting pitchers are ones the Pittsburgh Pirates could pursue in free agency this offseason in an effort to bolster the 2024 roster

A little over a month ago, I wrote about some free agents the Pittsburgh Pirates should sign this offseason if they want to compete for a division title in 2024. That list included two starting pitchers (Jordan Montgomery and Michael Lorenzen) because I believed that was the part of the roster that needed the most attention this offseason.

Since then, we've seen the Pirates pivot to a rotation that includes only two true starting pitchers while running multiple bullpen games a week, seemingly using every possible combination of openers that they have available to them.

Surprisingly, the Pirates have gone 16-10 since August 28th while having Mitch Keller and Johan Oviedo as their only true rotation starters during this span. Those two are presumably the only locks for the starting rotation when Opening Day 2024 rolls around. Paul Skenes should be, but we all know that isn't going to happen.

Quinn Priester and Luiz Ortiz will get looks, and you'd think Jared Jones probably will as well. However, it's most likely that the Pirates are going to turn to external options to fill out next year's rotation, and they should.

It's going to be really tough to survive until June next year, or whenever they decide Paul Skenes is "ready" without at least two free agent starters. Even with two free agents, you are probably still giving the fifth rotation spot to someone who isn't fully qualified like Priester or Ortiz. That's why nailing this winter is an absolute must.

With that said, here's three more options the Pirates should have an eye on once free agency time comes around.

Right-handed pitcher Alex Cobb

After quiety being extremely solid for the past few seasons, Alex Cobb finally earned his first All-Star nod in his 12th Major League season this past year, and it was certainly deserved. As one of the few bright spots on a Giants team that largely disappointed this year, this would be another nice get for Pittsburgh.

He's posted an ERA under 4 in three straight seasons, going back to his lone season as an Angel in 2021. This would be a singing much like Rich Hill, a veteran who you know is going to give you innings. But unlike Rich Hill, Cobb's innings wouldn't come with a 5+ ERA.

We've seen that the Pirates aren't shy when it comes to signing free agent pitchers on the older side, and Cobb certainly fits that demographic with his age-36 season on the horizon. However, there's a great reason to believe he has plenty of juice left, and he would be an amazing addition to bolster a playoff hopeful ball club as a mid-rotation piece.

Right-handed pitcher Sonny Gray

Truly one of the most underrated pitchers in the game over the last two seasons, Sonny Gray would be the most expensive (and therefore the least likely) option on this list. He's been nothing short of incredible in his two seasons in Minnesota, and will most likely get Cy Young votes this year.

He's posted ace-level numbers with a 2.84 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and his 2.84 FIP tells you that it's not a fluke. He doesn't allow home runs and he gives his team a chance to win every five days. He and Pablo Lopez will anchor a playoff rotation for a Minnesota team that could be a dark horse in the American League.

Obviously, this one is probably not going to happen, but I included it because he still shouldn't break the bank entirely as he isn't young. Next year will be his 12th season in the big leagues and he will be 34 years old. Once again, the Pirates severely lack veterans on their pitching staff, which is why he couldn't be a better fit. Skenes, Gray, Keller would instantly be one of the best rotation frontlines in the National League.

All in all, the Pirates should prioritize quality over quantity this upcoming free agency. A few quality players would go a much longer was than a bunch of the usual bargain bin players that fans are used to. The team has shown what they can do this month despite having two starting pitchers, so it's not hard to imagine what they could possibly do with five.