Chicago Cubs: Pitching a focus because it will make the difference in Central

Pirates teetering on the edge of a rebuild

For weeks, the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates are rumored to have been discussing right-hander Gerrit Cole. Unloading their right-handed ace would surely indicate a retooling, at the very least, in the Steel City.

But, for now, he remains a Pirate. In 2017, Cole led all Pittsburgh hurlers in wins (12), starts (33) and innings pitched (203). Still just 26 years of age, the right-hander has tremendous trade value and could jump-start a rebuilding effort. Behind him, there’s a lot of promise in young studs Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow.

But promise doesn’t win games – execution does. Glasnow pitched to a 7.69 earned run average in his 13 starts and two relief appearances last year. And his peripherals aren’t any more encouraging. He posted a 2.016 WHIP and 6.30 FIP to go along with a horrendous 1.27 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 6.4 walks per nine.

Taillon, meanwhile, seemed much closer to being a quality big-league starter. His 3.48 FIP far outpaced his fellow rotation mate. Add in the likes of Chad Kuhl and Trevor Williams and Pittsburgh boasts a very young, cost-controlled crop of arms.

Again, though. Everything depends on what the Pirates decide to do. At this point, you can’t seriously consider them a contender in the Central – if Gerrit Cole moves elsewhere, the rebuild is on.