Pittsburgh Pirates' Rotation Outlook for 2024: A Deep Dive
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a number of intriguing arms in their rotation, led by JT Brubaker and Mitch Keller.
JT Brubaker has established himself as a reliable innings eater, posting a 4.50 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 2023. His ability to command his fastball and induce ground balls makes him a valuable asset to the Pirates' rotation.
Mitch Keller has shown flashes of brilliance, but he has yet to put it all together consistently. In 2023, he posted a 4.75 ERA and 1.35 WHIP, but he also struck out 10 batters per nine innings. If Keller can harness his potential, he could be a breakout star in 2024.
Beyond Brubaker and Keller, the Pirates have a number of other pitchers who could contribute to the rotation in 2024.
Bryse Wilson, acquired from the Atlanta Braves in the Sean Murphy trade, has shown promise as a starter, posting a 4.00 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 2023.
Roansy Contreras, acquired from the Chicago Cubs in the Jameson Taillon trade, has electric stuff, but he needs to improve his command.
Johan Oviedo, acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in the Jose Quintana trade, has a deceptive changeup that can keep hitters off balance.
The Pirates also have a number of young pitchers who could push for a spot in the rotation in 2024.
Quinn Priester, the Pirates' top pitching prospect, has a fastball that can reach triple digits and a devastating changeup.
Luis Ortiz, acquired from the San Diego Padres in the Wil Myers trade, has a live arm and a good feel for pitching.
Michael Burrows, the Pirates' second-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, has a projectable fastball and a developing changeup.
The Pirates' rotation has the potential to be a strength in 2024, but there are still some question marks that need to be answered.
Can Keller take the next step and become a consistent performer?
Can Wilson, Contreras, and Oviedo establish themselves as reliable starters?
Can Priester, Ortiz, and Burrows develop into impact pitchers at the major league level?
The answers to these questions will determine how good the Pirates' rotation is in 2024.
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