The Pittsburgh Pirates, despite their underwhelming 2024 season with a record of 76-86, have managed to cultivate a promising starting rotation. The trio of Skenes, Keller, and Jones has shown immense potential, raising questions about the team's decision to potentially trade two of these key players. This move seems counterintuitive given the recent success and future promise these pitchers bring. While the front office may have its reasons, fans and analysts alike are left wondering if this is a step in the right direction.

The Rising Star Among the Pirates

At the heart of the Pirates' pitching revolution is the young sensation who has already made waves in his rookie season. Selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, this right-hander has quickly established himself as a cornerstone for the team. His impressive performance has not only earned him accolades but also set high expectations for the future. Despite being surrounded by other talented pitchers, he stands out as a beacon of hope for the franchise.

Skenes' rookie year was nothing short of spectacular. In just 23 starts, he achieved an outstanding 11-3 record with a remarkable 1.96 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. He struck out 170 batters in 133 innings, demonstrating exceptional control and dominance on the mound. Notably, he became the first No. 1 draft pick in MLB history to be named an All-Star in his debut season. His achievements did not stop there; he was also honored as the NL Rookie of the Year, selected to the All-MLB First Team, and finished third in Cy Young Award voting. Such accomplishments underscore his immense talent and potential to lead the Pirates into a new era of success.

The Supporting Cast: Solid Foundations for Growth

Beyond the star pitcher, the Pirates boast a solid supporting cast that has shown significant promise. Two other starters, though not as statistically dazzling as their teammate, have still made meaningful contributions to the team. Their performances highlight the depth and potential within the Pirates' pitching rotation, suggesting a bright future ahead. However, the possibility of trading away two of these three pivotal players raises concerns about the team's long-term strategy.

Jones, making his mark in his rookie season, started in 22 games, recording a respectable 6-8 record with a 4.14 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. He struck out 132 batters in 121.2 innings, showcasing impressive velocity and strikeout rates. His fastball, clocking in at an average of 97.3 mph, placed him in the 93rd percentile among all qualified pitchers. Additionally, his 30.2% whiff rate and 26.2% strikeout rate were both above average, indicating strong potential for growth. Meanwhile, Keller, who signed a lucrative five-year contract extension before the 2024 season, had a solid campaign with an 11-12 record, a 4.25 ERA, and 166 strikeouts in 178 innings across 31 starts. Although he didn't quite match his stellar 2023 All-Star performance, his 6.5% walk rate remained commendable, ranking him in the 73rd percentile of qualified pitchers. Together, these three pitchers form a formidable foundation for the Pirates' future.