Pitchers leaving Pittsburgh and finding success elsewhere is a tale as old as time, and Mike Burrows might just be the latest chapter. After his first Grapefruit League outing with the Houston Astros, Burrows showcased the potential the Pirates always saw in him-confidently attacking hitters, working swiftly, and inducing awkward swings. It's the kind of performance that turns heads and gets fans talking.
Now, let's not jump to conclusions. The Pirates didn't offload Burrows out of desperation or for a quick buck.
Pittsburgh's offseason saw them with a surplus of young pitching talent. With Paul Skenes leading the charge, Jared Jones on the mend, and a deep roster of arms like Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, and Bubba Chandler, the Pirates were in an enviable position.
They had more pitchers than innings to go around.
On the flip side, their offense was in dire need of a boost. An 82 wRC+ and a mere 117 home runs simply weren't cutting it.
So, in a strategic move, GM Ben Cherington traded from their pitching depth to address this glaring weakness. Acquiring Brandon Lowe and Jake Mangum in exchange for Burrows made sense from a roster-building perspective, even if it tugged at the heartstrings of fans.
Pirates supporters have been here before. They've seen Tyler Glasnow and Gerrit Cole transform into stars elsewhere, leaving a bittersweet taste. So when Burrows steps onto the mound in Astros colors and starts dealing with a nasty changeup, it's hard not to feel a pang of déjà vu.
Houston, known for maximizing pitching potential, seems like a perfect fit for Burrows. His quick tempo and aggressive approach-14 seconds between pitches last season-were on full display.
It was a promising start, but let's remember, it's just spring training. These games are littered with future stars who never quite make it and players who shine in March only to fade by May.
The Pirates, however, might still come out on top. They needed offensive firepower, and they went after it with purpose. If the new bats propel Pittsburgh into contention alongside their formidable rotation, fans will likely forgive seeing Burrows thrive elsewhere.
In the end, this could be a win-win trade. But for Pirates fans, there's an undeniable familiarity to this narrative. While the outcome might differ this time, it's hard not to lean in when the story starts to feel all too familiar.