Keller and Oviedo Headline Promising Pirates Pitching Staff
Pitching Depth Provides Promise for Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates may not be making a big splash in free agency this offseason, but their pitching staff is shaping up to be a strength heading into 2026. Anchored by starters Mitch Keller and Johan Oviedo, the Pirates have assembled an impressive rotation and bullpen that could propel them to contention.
Keller, 28, is coming off a solid 2025 campaign in which he posted a 3.92 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 32 starts. The right-hander has developed into a reliable innings-eater, and the Pirates are counting on him to lead the staff. Oviedo, 26, emerged as a breakout star last season, registering a 3.68 ERA and 1.19 WHIP while striking out 176 batters in 183 innings.
Beyond their top two starters, the Pirates have several other promising young arms. Mike Burrows, Braxton Ashcraft, and Carmen Mlodzinski all saw time in the majors in 2025 and flashed potential. Reliever Dennis Santana also impressed with a 2.90 ERA in 62 appearances out of the bullpen.
Prospects on the Rise
The Pirates' farm system is also stocked with intriguing pitching prospects who could make an impact in the near future. Right-handers Thomas Harrington and Hunter Barco, both 2025 draft picks, are quickly climbing the minor league ranks and could push for big-league jobs soon.
Elsewhere, the team's 2024 first-round selection, Paul Skenes, is coming off a dominant debut season that saw him strike out 222 batters in 161 innings across three levels. The 22-year-old flamethrower has drawn comparisons to past Pirates aces and could be a cornerstone of the rotation for years to come.
Offensive Questions Remain
While the pitching staff appears to be in good shape, the Pirates' lineup remains a concern. Outside of budding star Oneil Cruz and catcher Joey Bart, the offense lacks consistent production.
Veteran outfielder Tommy Pham is not expected to be re-signed, leaving a hole in left field. The team may need to address that void through a trade or by giving extended opportunities to young players like Ji Hwan Bae and Alexander Canario.
TL;DR
- Mitch Keller and Johan Oviedo headline the Pirates' promising pitching staff
- Young arms like Mike Burrows, Braxton Ashcraft, and Carmen Mlodzinski provide depth
- Prospect Paul Skenes could be a future ace after a dominant debut season
- The Pirates' lineup remains a concern, with questions in left field after Tommy Pham's likely departure
- The team may need to rely on trades or internal options to bolster the offense this offseason