The Pirates’ rotation picture is beginning to sharpen as Spring Training moves into a critical stretch — and the battle for the fifth starter spot is quickly becoming one of the most compelling storylines in Bradenton.
Right now, it looks like a three-man race between Jose Urquidy, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Hunter Barco. Urquidy brings the most established big-league track record of the group, while Mlodzinski offers familiarity and internal confidence after bouncing between roles last season. But it was Barco who grabbed attention this weekend, turning in an impressive outing Sunday that firmly pushed him into the conversation.
And the bigger takeaway? The Pirates may have legitimate pitching depth pushing from below.
Multiple young arms have flashed early in camp, with Antwone Kelly, Wilber Dotel, and Kristian Curtis all showing encouraging traits in their appearances. Whether it’s velocity jumps, sharper secondaries, or improved command, this wave of pitching prospects is giving the organization more options than it’s had in recent springs.
With Neil and DiNardo arriving in Bradenton for their first full week on site, this next stretch of games becomes especially important. From tracking how the fifth starter battle evolves to identifying which young arms continue to separate themselves, there’s plenty to watch as roster decisions inch closer.
Spring Training is entering the phase where roles start to solidify — and for the Pirates, the rotation competition is far from settled.
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