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 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.

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.