Pirates Looking to Make Big Pitching Changes in 2027

Projected Pirates' 2027 Starting Rotation

Pirates' Bullpen Options for 2027

The Pirates pitched the third-fewest left-handed innings in baseball this season, per Fangraphs, 214.2, only ahead of the Miami Marlins, 164.2, and the Seattle Mariners, 163.1.

Pittsburgh didn't have a left-handed pitcher in their rotation this season, a change from adding a veteran southpaw later in free agency as they did in recent years.

This includes Andrew Heaney in 2025, Martín Pérez in 2024, Rich Hill in 2023, José Quintana in 2022 and Tyler Anderson in 2021.

Adding left-handed pitching could help the Pirates battle left-handed hitting, after they allowed the 10th-highest ERA (4.56) and slugging percentage (.409) and 11th-highest on-base percentage (.329).

Who the Pirates Could Add for New Left-Handed Pitching

The Pirates would preferably try to add depth to their rotation, which is strong, but lengthy injury histories for Braxton Ashcraft and Jones, and even Mitch Keller missing the last two months of the season, showed they need help there.

Foster Griffin, who excelled for the Washington Nationals and in the postseason with the Cleveland Guardians, is a free agent who would give the Pirates plenty of innings and stay healthy.

Two other free agent starting pitchers are Trevor Rogers , who bounced back from injury and dominated with the Baltimore Orioles the last two seasons, as well as Robbie Ray, the two-time All-Star who has been strong in recent seasons.

The Pirates will also want to add some bullpen help, and two southpaws that could really bolster the roster are Alex Vesia and JoJo Romero.

Vesia has been one of the best strikeout relief pitchers with the Los Angeles Dodgers the past few seasons and Romero is a solid option who has had success with the St. Louis Cardinals and helped the Milwaukee Brewers win the World Series.

Free agency will cost the Pirates, who already have a projected 2027 payroll of $100 million, before they make any additions.

Trades are more tricky in determining who the Pirates would add, but it's most likely they try to go this route, as they can also move salaries this way too.