I think it’s safe to say that the rotation is set for the 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates.
The team agreed to a deal with left-handed pitcher Rich Hill yesterday, locking down the veteran starter for $8 million this season. Hill has pitched in the majors for 18 seasons, and will be in his age 43 season. He’s still producing, putting up a 1.8 fWAR last year in 124.1 innings of work with Boston.
The Pirates add Hill to a trio of Mitch Keller, Roansy Contreras, and JT Brubaker. They’ve also signed right-handed pitcher Vince Velasquez, who will likely round out the starting group on Opening Day.
What I like about the addition of Hill is the experience that he brings. His statistical performance from last year is a boost to the current rotation, but his years of experience across many organizations is essential for this young team.
This looks like it will be a rotation that grows increasingly younger as the season progresses. The first half could allow Hill to pass the torch to Keller, Contreras, and Brubaker. It’s very possible that Hill gets traded at the deadline, coming in on a one year deal.
If that happens, I would expect a youth movement in the rotation over the final two months, if it hasn’t happened already. The Indianapolis rotation currently has Johan Oviedo, Luis Ortiz, Quinn Priester, Mike Burrows, and several other starting depth options who might not make the Opening Day cut in then majors.
If Keller, Contreras, and/or Brubaker can step up as leaders this year, it would provide a nice foundation of leadership for when those prospects arrive.
As far as his own performance, I would expect Hill to be able to maintain his pace from the last two years, and possibly see an uptick from pitching in PNC Park. In the last two years, Hill has combined for a 4.04 ERA in 283 innings of work, averaging a 1.75 WAR per year.
This move continues a trend of the Pirates stabilizing their roster with veterans who can still provide value on the field.
Highlight of the Day
Pirates Prospects Daily
**As mentioned above, the Pirates agreed to a deal with LHP Rich Hill.
**Anthony Murphy writes about how pitch framing looks to still be a point of emphasis for the Pirates.
**David Hague listed his top ten photos from the 2022 Pirates season.
**I wondered what Luis Ortiz really needs with two plus pitches already in his repertoire.
**Missed yesterday? In First Pitch, I discussed baseball and religion.
Song of the Day
Pirates Prospects Weekly
In this week’s Article Drop, Anthony Murphy writes about how pitch framing is still a point of emphasis for Pirates catchers.
Pitch Framing Is Still A Point Of Emphasis For Pittsburgh Pirates Catchers
David Hague breaks down his best photos from the 2022 season. I love this post.
I looked at what else Luis Ortiz needs, aside from the two plus pitches that he already has.
With Two Plus Pitches, What Else Does Luis Ortiz Really Need?
In this week’s First Pitch, I dug into the topic of baseball and religion.
Check back Wednesday at noon for my latest column.