Perrotto: Pirates Still Value Durability in Starting Pitchers (+)

The Pittsburgh Pirates starting rotation looks a whole lot better now than it did at the beginning of the month. Of course, that’s not saying much.

Mitch Keller was the only pitcher on the roster who was certain to begin next season as a starter until left-hander Marco Gonzales was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in a trade. The Pirates also now have a deal in place with free agent lefty Martin Perez contingent on his passing a physical examination.

Yet that still leaves two more spots to fill unless the Pirates want a reprise of the end of last season in which they were using openers or going with bullpen games three out of every five games.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington acknowledged earlier this week that the Pirates are still working on adding more starting pitching. The need for starters became more acute after right-hander Johan Oviedo underwent reconstructive elbow surgery that will force him to miss the 2024 season after pitching 177.2 innings this year.

One name that keeps popping up as a trade possibility is Miami Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera. The Marlins have a wealth of starting pitching and the Marlins need a second baseman, so the team match up as potential trade partners.