Braxton Ashcraft’s health story is a mixed bag for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After years of injury challenges since being drafted in 2018, he finally made his major league debut in 2025. However, he only started eight games, spending much of his time in relief and logging 69.2 innings.
The encouraging news? Ashcraft recently shared at PiratesFest that he has had his first healthy offseason. This break allowed him to prepare, experiment, and aim for a spot in the starting rotation without the normal focus on rehab.
Still, there’s a shadow hanging over his progress. The Pirates need him, but his situation brings attention to the overall uncertainty in the team’s pitching lineup, which may have potential but lacks experience.
Leading the rotation is Paul Skenes, a talented pitcher. However, he can’t shoulder the entire workload alone. This means the long-standing rumors about trading Mitch Keller can finally be put to rest.
While having talents like Ashcraft and Skenes is great, the other spots in the rotation come with questions. Bubba Chandler has potential, but after his 31.1 big league innings last year, there’s a chance he may face growing pains. Similarly, Ashcraft brings skill, but his history of injuries keeps fans on edge. Carmen Mlodzinski is another name to watch; he has shuffled between roles and lacks extensive experience.
A subtle issue is that all these pitchers are right-handed, which could hinder team balance. General manager Ben Cherington recognizes the need for another starter but hasn’t acted yet. Adding a veteran lefty who can consistently pitch would greatly benefit the team.
Recent trends show teams prioritizing balanced rotations. For instance, clubs with a mix of left- and right-handed pitchers tend to fare better, as indicated by multiple studies conducted in recent seasons. Having a stable veteran presence to support the young players is essential for Pittsburgh.
The free-agent pool is shrinking, but former Pirate José Quintana could be a solid fit. Other left-handed options include Tyler Anderson and Patrick Corbin. If the Pirates look at trades, there are still choices available to shore up their rotation.
In summary, while the potential for Pittsburgh’s young pitchers is bright, surrounding them with seasoned veterans is crucial. As the offseason progresses, securing that stability must be a priority.
Source link
