Final Analysis
| Under Contract | With ARB and TC Predictions | 2016 payroll | 2017 payroll EST |
| $58.92 | $89.52 M | $118 M | $120 M |
With only about $90 million locked up next year, the Pirates have a little wiggle room. This could be used to re-sign one or two of their pending free agents. Sean Rodriguez and Matt Joyce would seem like an unneeded luxury, though, as the team already has its starting lineup filled out, and John Jaso and Josh Bell on the bench.
More likely, the team will use its extra money to go after a starter, even in this poor free agent class. Though the market lacks top-of-the-line arms, it does hold some promise, especially for elite pitching coach Ray Searage.
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The team can gamble on Brett Anderson’s health, buy low on Andrew Cashner, or pursue a reunion with Edinson Volquez. Beyond those three are Doug Fister, Jeremy Hellickson and their own Ivan Nova. All who will most likely be paid handsomely after their good seasons. Adding one of these pitchers to slot next to Cole, Taillon, Glasnow and another youngster (Hutchison, Kuhl, Brault) can form a promising rotation.
Any extra money can also be used to pursue an extension with Gerrit Cole. After a bit of a down season, Cole may not want to sign an extension when his stock is lower. After the pitcher was strangely upset about his league minimum deal, there were reports he was unhappy with the team’s front office. A fair extension could go a long way in repairing any damages in the relationship between team and ace.
Overall, as a mid-market team, the Pirates are in great shape. They have a very strong core of players locked up, accompanied with some strong younger players who have recently debuted. With continued success of the lineup and a bounce back from Andrew McCutchen, the offense should be just fine, especially with a full healthy season from Jung Ho Kang. The main goal for the offseason should be solidifying the rotation and sorting out all bullpen options.
Next: Will Walt Weiss Be Back in 2017?
With no offseason moves, the team projects to have the following pitching staff:
Starters: Cole, Taillon, Glasnow, Brault, Kuhl
Bullpen: Nicasio, Watson, Hughes, Schugel, Rivero, Hutchison, Bastardo
An impact addition to both the rotation and bullpen will be of top priority for the Pirates this offseason as they look to return to the playoffs in 2017. After all, the team’s core of hitters won’t be in their primes forever.
All contract info found on spotrac.com.