Perrotto: One Pirates Starting Pitcher Seems Poised for Breakout (+)

JT Brubaker doesn’t necessarily fit the breakout player profile.

The Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander is 29 years old. He has compiled a 9-28 in his three-year career in the major leagues. Brubaker’s .243 winning percentage in that span is the worst among any major-league pitcher with at least 25 decisions.

Yet multiple scouts and statistical analysts believe Brubaker is ready to turn things around this season despite his somewhat advancing age.

The numbers crowd points to his 3.69 FIP (fielding independent pitching) last year that factors out balls in play. That was exactly one full point lower than Brubaker’s 4.69 ERA that he compiled over 28 starts while going 3-12.