Predicting the Pirates' 2025 pitching depth chart: Which rookies could break through?

As the Pittsburgh Pirates gear up for the 2025 season, excitement is brewing despite a quiet offseason. The team is poised to showcase a promising pitching rotation, brimming with potential from both seasoned veterans and burgeoning rookies. Let’s dive into the fresh faces and established arms that could shape the Pirates’ path to success.

Predicting the Pittsburgh Pirates' rotation and depth chart entering 2025

The Headliners:

1. Paul Skenes (5.9 WAR, 11-3, 214 ERA+)

2. Mitch Keller (2.0 WAR, 11-12, 99 ERA+)

3. Jared Jones (1.8 WAR, 6-8, 101 ERA+)

Since bursting onto the scene in May, Paul Skenes has taken the league by storm, delivering jaw-dropping statistics that have earned him a coveted Rookie of the Year award and a top-three finish in the Cy Young race. As the new ace of the Pirates’ rotation, Skenes embodies the franchise's bright future.

Meanwhile, Mitch Keller has proven his mettle as a reliable workhorse, notching his third consecutive season with over 30 appearances. Though his 2023 numbers dipped slightly, Keller remains a steadfast pillar in the pitching lineup.

Jared Jones, despite facing challenges during his rookie year, showcased his elite potential across 22 starts in 2024. The 22-year-old relied heavily on his electrifying fastball and a devastating slider, but as he refines his curveball and changeup, he’s set to keep hitters guessing and elevate his game to new heights.

Steady Contributors

4. Bailey Falter (1.7 WAR, 8-9, 95 ERA+)

5. Johan Oviedo (2.1 WAR, 9-14, 104 ERA, pending recovery)

Bailey Falter may not have flashy numbers, but his role as a dependable lefty in the Pirates’ rotation cannot be underestimated. With a team-high 28 starts in 2024, Falter demonstrated his knack for keeping the ball in the yard.

Following Tommy John surgery, the Pirates are optimistic about Johan Oviedo’s return by spring training. It will be fascinating to see whether he claims the fifth spot in the rotation or transitions into a long-relief role, adding depth and versatility to the squad.

The Rising Stars: Future Stars in the Making

Bubba Chandler (Double-A & Triple-A) (10-7, 3.08 ERA, 1.02 WHIP)   Braxton Ashcraft (Double-A & Triple-A) (3-2, 2.84 ERA, 1.07 WHIP)

Pirates fans have good reason to be excited about the wave of young pitching talent surging through the organization, starting with the highly anticipated debut of Bubba Chandler. This former third-round pick has seamlessly transformed from a college two-way player to a potential MLB rotation leader. His impressive performance across Double-A and Triple-A in 2024 has fans eager for his debut, which feels more like a matter of “when” than “if.”

Braxton Ashcraft has also been lighting up the minor leagues, showcasing his dominance with a staggering sub-0.50 ERA in Triple-A. At 25 years old, Ashcraft is ready to make his mark, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him secure a spot in the major league rotation come Opening Day. With a strong showing in spring training, both Chandler and Ashcraft could ascend to the big leagues, following in the footsteps of Jared Jones from last year

As the 2025 season looms, the Pirates’ pitching rotation is shaping up to be the team’s strongest asset. This squad could very well emerge as one of the most formidable pitching units in the National League. The depth of five projected MLB-ready arms within the organization’s top 30 not only boosts the rotation but also strengthens the bullpen, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 season. Buckle up, Pirates fans—the future looks bright!