As we dive into the Pirates' spring training, the buzz around Pittsburgh's starting rotation is palpable. Despite an offseason that left some questions unanswered, the Pirates have assembled a fascinating mix of talent on the mound. They've parted ways with Mike Burrows and Johan Oviedo to bolster their offense, yet the anticipated veteran addition to the rotation never materialized.
Instead, the Pirates are banking on a blend of proven talent and youthful potential. Leading the charge is Paul Skenes, arguably the best pitcher in the world right now, alongside Mitch Keller, a dependable innings eater. The rest of the rotation is filled with young guns who, while promising, still have much to prove.
Last season, the Pirates' rotation was impressive, ranking sixth in the league with a 3.71 ERA. The big question is whether they can replicate that performance this year.
Enter Dan Plesac, MLB Analyst and former three-time All-Star, who offers an optimistic take. Plesac draws a parallel between this young Pirates' squad and the legendary Atlanta Braves rotation of the early 90s.
Now, before you raise an eyebrow, Plesac isn't saying Skenes, Keller, Bubba Chandler, and Braxton Ashcraft are the next Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz. Instead, he sees shades of the Braves' early days when their future Hall of Famers were just starting to make their mark.
“It’s a very good rotation,” Plesac notes. “It reminds me a little bit of those young pitching staffs of the Atlanta Braves before we knew who they were.”
Plesac's enthusiasm is infectious, especially for Pirates fans who haven't felt this hopeful in years. Chandler and Ashcraft, in particular, have shown flashes of brilliance.
Chandler's debut was electric, and Ashcraft has delivered solid performances in his 69 2/3 innings. Both pitchers have the potential to evolve into 4+ WAR players if they can handle a full 30-start season.
The key will be how these young pitchers adapt and grow. Small sample sizes can be misleading, and sustaining performance over a full season is the real test. But with Skenes anchoring the rotation and Keller providing stability, the Pirates have a strong foundation.
The excitement is real, and if Chandler and Ashcraft can channel their inner Glavine and Smoltz, the Pirates could be on the verge of something special. As Plesac aptly puts it, this is the most enthusiasm Pirates fans have felt in quite some time.
And frankly, we share that excitement. The potential is there, and we can't wait to see how it unfolds.