Paul Skenes Strengthens Starting Rotation Amidst Late-Season Challenges
The Pittsburgh Pirates are entering the offseason with a strong focus on their starting rotation, led by the exceptional talent of Paul Skenes. The presence of Skenes, a frontrunner for the 2025 National League Cy Young Award, alongside All-Star Mitch Keller and promising prospect Bubba Chandler, provides a solid foundation for the team. This strong rotation has afforded the Pirates the flexibility to trade away less effective starters to bolster their offense.
Key Trades and Acquisitions
In a strategic move, the Pirates traded Johan Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox for outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia and additional pitching help. They also sent Mike Burrows to the Houston Astros in a multi-team trade that netted them two-time All-Star Brandon Lowe, outfielder Jake Mangum, and left-handed reliever Mason Montgomery.
Paul Skenes: A Standout Performer
- Paul Skenes boasts a remarkable 1.97 ERA, leading Major League Baseball.
- He set a franchise record with 216 strikeouts, becoming the first pitcher to win the Cy Young with a .500 record.
- Out of 32 starts, Skenes made 20 quality starts, limiting opponents to a batting average of .199.
Skenes’ undeniable skills have attracted other players to join the Pirates, including slugger Ryan O’Hearn, who signed a two-year, $29 million contract. O’Hearn emphasized the importance of strong pitching for a winning team and noted the appeal of Skenes as a generational talent.
Other Rotation Candidates
With Jared Jones recovering from elbow surgery, the Pirates are considering two right-handers for the final rotation spots. Carmen Mlodzinski and Braxton Ashcraft have shown promise, alternating between starting and relief roles last season.
Carmen Mlodzinski
- Mlodzinski excels with a diverse seven-pitch repertoire.
- He had a 1-4 record with a 4.99 ERA in 12 starts but was more effective in bullpen roles.
Braxton Ashcraft
- Ashcraft achieved a 2.16 ERA over eight starts while struggling in the bullpen with a 3.28 ERA.
- He possesses a fastball averaging 96.8 mph, showcasing potential as a starter.
Both Mlodzinski and Ashcraft contributed to the Pirates’ success against the Los Angeles Dodgers, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure. General manager Ben Cherington is also considering signing a veteran pitcher for depth, noting the advantages of left-handed pitchers at PNC Park. Notable free agents include Chris Bassitt, Walker Buehler, and Max Scherzer.
The Pirates’ focused approach to strengthening their starting rotation, especially with Paul Skenes leading the charge, sets a promising tone for the upcoming season. As they navigate trades and free agency, the team aims to enhance both their pitching and batting prowess.
