Tallion and Kuhl are both looking like real additions to the starting rotation, and Cole clearly is a member, so 3 of the spots could be spoken for.
But, Glasnow, at best, likely is a June addition. And Kingham likely will not yet be ready to go.
Do you put any stock in Hutchinson, despite his poor initial results?
Brault, Duncan, and other current AAA pitchers; perhaps depth at best.
If he continues to pitch well through the end of the season, do you actually consider bringing Vogelsong back on a 1 year deal?
If he pitches well - do you reach out to Nova on a deal?
Do you go the free agent route, even though there doesn't appear to be much available, which means that the pitchers who will be available will be very expensive.
And, if you go the trade route, who do you consider trading? In my opinion, there isn't much on the current major league roster in the way of position players to trade unless you consider the following:
Trading McCutcheon and replacing him with either Bell or Meadows.
Trading Cervelli and going with a catching tandem of Diaz and Fryer, even though that would necessitate loading up on AAAA catchers in AAA (think Kratz territory).
Trading a good reliever, like Watson or Rivero, as part of a package for a good starter.
Potentially moving J Harrison, who may interest some teams because of his versatility and contract.
Oh well ---- Will try to keep focused on this season, but the last 4 losses have really taken some luster off the team's chances, particularly with another trip to Milwaukee on the horizon.
I think Cole, Taillon and Kuhl are in. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the Pirates bring Vogelsong back for one more year.
As for Nova I'd say that the Pirates will be evaluating his remaining starts with an eye toward a re-signing. If he's even average I think they'll try to sign him rather than pursue someone else in the underwhelming upcoming class of FA starting pitchers.
Glasnow is clearly a work in progress and I think he's got almost no chance to be in the starting rotation until he's shown significant improvement of his control, development of his changeup, and a slide step delivery to help control the running game.
Kingham looks to be on the same path next year that Taillon was on this year. Coming back from TJ surgery I would think if he's pitching well he could be MLB ready as early as June, but it's a long shot.
I think Hutchison will be given a chance to make the rotation in spring training if for no other reason than to save face for the organization. I'd be surprised if he makes the team as anything other than a long reliever, and more likely is seen as needing more 'seasoning' at AAA.
I think Brault has a decent chance of making the rotation. Being a lefty will give him an advantage plus he didn't embarrass himself in the couple of starts he made this year.
Frank Duncan and Trevor Williams are acquitting themselves well enough at AAA that they might get a look. If one or both impress in spring training they could end up in the mix.
As for the Pirates using McCutchon, Cervelli, or Harrison as part of a deal for a starting pitcher I think it's possible but very unlikely. I don't think there's any chance that they trade Rivero or Watson.
That's how I think things might unfold, but there's a really good chance for everything to work out much differently. Might be an exercise in futility but it does get ones mind off of the Pirates current homestand.
