Pirates Excel in Developing Elite Starting Pitchers for 2026 Season

The Pittsburgh Pirates have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in developing starting pitchers, showcasing a remarkable ability to cultivate homegrown talent into some of the best arms in Major League Baseball. Over the past few seasons, their rotation has not only flourished but has also become an integral part of the team’s identity, thanks to a strategic focus on scouting, drafting, and player development.

This commitment to building a strong rotation has been evident in the Pirates’ offseason strategies, which have leaned heavily on the draft rather than free agency or trades. As a result, the current roster features a lineup of pitchers who have risen through the organization. Leading the charge in 2026 is Mitch Keller, a veteran presence who was drafted back in 2014 and made his MLB debut in 2019. Keller’s development can be attributed to Joe DelliCarri, the former Senior Director of Amateur Scouting, who played a pivotal role in selecting every pitcher currently in Pittsburgh’s rotation, including Jared Jones, who is currently on a rehab assignment.

During DelliCarri’s tenure from 2013 to 2023, the Pirates made several key selections that have paid off significantly. Keller was just the beginning; the team also drafted Braxton Ashcraft in 2018, Jared Jones in 2020, Bubba Chandler in 2021, and first overall pick Paul Skenes in 2023. Additionally, Carmen Mlodzinski, who has fluctuated between starting and relief roles, was selected in 2020, further solidifying the depth of the Pirates’ pitching prospects.

Moreover, the organization boasts a rich array of talent beyond the current rotation. Hunter Barco, primarily utilized as a bullpen pitcher since being drafted in 2022, ranks as Pittsburgh’s third-highest prospect. Thomas Harrington, now in Triple-A, is the 12th highest-ranked prospect, while Levi Sterling, chosen in 2024, stands as the 13th. Other promising arms include Kristian Curtis and Zander Mueth, both drafted in 2023, showcasing the depth of talent emerging from the Pirates’ farm system.

In 2024, following DelliCarri’s promotion, Justin Horowitz took over as the director of amateur scouting. Under Horowitz’s leadership, the Pirates continued to draft effectively, selecting Sterling and Seth Hernandez, who has since emerged as the organization’s top prospect and is considered one of the best pitching prospects in all of baseball.

The 2025 season marked a significant breakthrough for the Pirates’ pitching staff, as they led MLB in shutouts with 19, allowed the third-fewest home runs, and ranked fourth in WHIP (1.22) and seventh in ERA (3.76). Skenes distinguished himself further by earning a spot in the All-Star game and securing the NL Cy Young Award, a testament to the success of the team’s development efforts.

The continuity within the coaching staff has also played a crucial role in this success. Oscar Marin served as the Pirates’ pitching coach from 2020 until the end of the 2025 season, helping to shape many of the current stars before his departure. The franchise then sought out Bill Murphy, a seasoned coach with a championship pedigree from his time with the Houston Astros, where he contributed to a World Series victory in 2022. Under Murphy’s guidance, the Pirates have excelled in several pitching metrics, currently ranking in the top 10 for strikeouts per nine innings and other key statistics.

As it stands, while the Pirates may not have accumulated the wins fans desire, the foundation laid through their elite pitching development is undeniable. With a rotation that has already proven itself and a pipeline of young talent poised to make an impact, the future looks bright for Pittsburgh’s pitching staff.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.