The Pittsburgh Pirates boast a roster of young arms—Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler, Braxton Ashcraft, and Jared Jones—making the team one of the league’s most promising starting rotations. Pittsburgh finished seventh in ERA last season, a testament to the depth of its pitching staff.
Three‑time All‑Star Dan Plesac praised the rotation on MLB Tonight, comparing it to the early 1990s Atlanta Braves featuring Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz and Avery. He said the Pirates’ lineup has also improved, and he feels the most enthusiasm for a season in years, hinting the club could break its playoff drought.