Wilber Dotel Could Be the Breakout Arm to Watch at Pirates Spring Training
When the Pittsburgh Pirates open camp this spring, the spotlight will naturally fall on the top-tier names - the highly touted prospects like Bubba Chandler and recent trade pickup Jhostynxon Garcia. And yes, Konnor Griffin, the club's first-round pick with five-tool potential, will draw plenty of eyes too.
But spring training isn’t just about the headliners. It’s also the proving ground for the next wave - the players who may not be front and center on prospect lists but have the tools to force their way into the conversation.
Enter Wilber Dotel.
Dotel isn’t a household name - not yet, anyway - but he’s got the kind of upside that can turn heads in a hurry. Signed out of the Dominican Republic as a teenager back in 2020, the 23-year-old right-hander has been steadily building momentum in the Pirates' system. And after a strong showing last season in Double-A Altoona, he’s positioned himself to make a serious push this spring.
A Reinvented Arsenal That’s Starting to Click
What changed for Dotel in 2025? A lot, actually.
Most notably, he added a splitter to his repertoire - and it’s quickly become a difference-maker. That pitch, paired with his high-90s fastball, gave him a legitimate one-two punch that overwhelmed hitters at times last season.
Over 27 starts and 125 2/3 innings, Dotel posted a 4.15 ERA, but the underlying numbers tell a more encouraging story. His 3.89 FIP suggests he pitched better than the surface stats indicate, and his 24.5% strikeout rate shows he’s more than capable of missing bats.
But the real turning point? Command.
Dotel’s biggest issue in the past had been his control, but he made real strides in that department, bringing his walk rate down to 8.0%. That’s a significant improvement and a key reason why he’s now being viewed as more than just a potential bullpen piece. If he can continue to harness that command, he’s got the frame, the stuff, and the durability to stick in a starting role.
Still Some Work to Do - But the Ceiling Is Real
Now, let’s be clear: Dotel isn’t a finished product. There are still concerns about his ability to keep the ball on the ground and limit the long ball - two areas that could be exposed at the next level if not addressed.
And while last year’s improved walk rate is encouraging, he’ll need to show it wasn’t a one-off. Consistency will be key.
That said, the Pirates clearly believe in his potential. They added him to the 40-man roster this offseason to shield him from the Rule 5 Draft - a move that signals he’s firmly on the organization’s radar. He’s expected to open the year at Triple-A Indianapolis, but a strong spring could put him in position to be one of the first arms called upon if the big league rotation runs into trouble.
A Name to Remember in a Crowded Camp
Every spring, there’s a player who shows up and forces the conversation. For the Pirates, Wilber Dotel has a real shot to be that guy.
He’s not the flashiest name in camp, but he doesn’t need to be. With a revamped arsenal, improved command, and a growing track record, Dotel is knocking on the door - and he might not be waiting long to walk through it.
Keep an eye on him. The Pirates certainly are.