As the Pittsburgh Pirates gear up for the 2026 season, they've made a bold decision with their starting rotation, opting to go without a left-handed pitcher. While this might raise some eyebrows in a league where balance is key, a closer look reveals that the Pirates have made a calculated choice.
Leading the rotation is Paul Skenes, a no-brainer for the top spot. Mitch Keller, a reliable workhorse, is also a lock, even if he doesn't quite reach ace status. Bubba Chandler and Braxton Ashcraft, both promising young talents, round out the initial quartet, leaving little room for surprises.
The real debate arises with the fifth spot. Hunter Barco, a highly-touted lefty prospect, was a strong contender but ultimately lost out to Carmen Mlodzinski.
Mlodzinski's impressive spring performance earned him the nod, though Barco's role isn't diminished. The Pirates plan to monitor his innings, potentially using him from the bullpen, much like they did with Chandler and Ashcraft last year.
So, does this all-righty rotation leave the Pirates vulnerable? Not necessarily.
A deep dive into platoon advantages, highlighted by FanGraphs' research, suggests otherwise. Their findings show that left-handed pitchers face a platoon disadvantage 71% of the time, primarily due to the prevalence of right-handed hitters.
In contrast, right-handed pitchers are only at a disadvantage 47% of the time, often enjoying a matchup edge.
Moreover, right-handed pitchers generally boast better velocity, spin rates, and movement compared to their left-handed counterparts. This is crucial for the Pirates, as their current right-handed arsenal is stacked with potential.
During the offseason, the Pirates explored adding a veteran lefty, targeting players like Tyler Anderson and Jose Quintana. While these veterans could have brought experience, they wouldn't necessarily have outperformed the current right-handers in Pittsburgh's rotation. The pursuit of an elite southpaw like Framber Valdez was never seriously on the table.
In essence, the Pirates' decision to stick with an all-righty rotation isn't as risky as it seems. If their pitchers can fulfill their potential, Pittsburgh's rotation could be a formidable force this season. The Pirates have made a strategic choice, and it just might pay off in a big way.