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

Right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas

After a forgettable tenure in The Bronx, where he was mostly bad or injured for the Yankees during his year and half in pinstripes, the former Oakland A's star will be one of the many starting options hitting the open market.

The team that signs Frankie Montas will likely be attaining his services for cheaper than usual, because that's what comes with signing a free agent pitcher coming off a year-long shoulder injury. It would undoubtedly be a risk, but one that could come with great reward.

During his time in Oakland, Montas was mostly fantastic. He had a little blip during the 2020 shortened season where he wasn't great, but if you look at the rest of his seasons since 2018, he has been completely legit. Before being traded to the Yankees last year, he had a 3.19 ERA in 19 starts with more strikeouts than innings pitched. As long as he is back to full health, this is absolutely a move the Pirates should make.

He won't be cheap, but he won't break the bank either. A pitcher with those numbers and no injury concerns would. Therefore, this is a risk worth taking for the Pirates. It's potential for a legitimate frontline starter at a discount, which is why Ben Cherington should be interested.