The Pittsburgh Pirates don’t need to change their rotation this offseason, but it wouldn’t be the worst idea to bring in another starter, depending on what they do throughout the remainder of the offseason.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report predicted that Tyler Anderson would sign with Pittsburgh, which makes a lot of sense if the Pirates continue to do what’s necessary. The organization loves its young arms, and rightfully so, but it also understands that most youngsters have questions, and service time could have an impact on others.
“Quick Thoughts: Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler and Carmen Mlodzinski are the leading in-house candidates to fill out the Pirates rotation, but considering they have a combined 29 starts in the majors, adding a low-cost veteran to help absorb some innings makes a ton of sense.
“The Pirates have made a point of targeting veteran lefties on one-year deals in recent years, signing Derek Holland (2020), Tyler Anderson (2021), Jose Quintana (2022), Rich Hill (2023), Martin Pérez (2024) and Andrew Heaney (2025). A reunion with Anderson or Quintana would keep that trend alive,” he wrote.
As Reuter touched on, almost every year, the Pirates have brought in a veteran left-hander, including Anderson in 2021, to eat innings.
A reunion with Anderson would feel smart if they want that same type of pitcher. He’s already pitched in Pittsburgh, understands his role, and wouldn’t come in with expectations of being an ace.
The Pirates wouldn’t be asking him to do much outside of just giving them good innings while the youngsters continue to develop.
Skenes, Chandler, and Ashcraft are all viewed as long-term aces for this squad.
Throwing them into heavy workloads before they’re ready could do more harm than good, although I’d like to see Chandler really pitch this year. Ashcraft and Skenes have already been given a chance, and I’ve loved what I’ve seen.
If Anderson ends up back in Pittsburgh, it wouldn’t be exciting, but it’d be a move that helps.
For a team that has made some impressive offensive moves, though the rotation doesn’t need a lot, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to add another veteran arm.