Where the Chicago Cubs rotation ranks among NL Central teams

3. The Pittsburgh Pirates

Until very recently, the Pirates looked like they were the kings of the NL Central. That is until suffering two series sweeps against the Chicago Cubs in a week which plunged them down to fourth place. The starting pitching hasn't been horrible for the Buccos with 27-year-old Mitch Keller shooting ahead of the pack as the best starter. Keller has 113 strikeouts in 99 innings with a 3.45 ERA. The former Cub Rich Hill is eating innings (89) for Pittsburgh in his age 43-season, but his effectiveness is much to be desired with an ERA in the mid-4 range.

Johan Oviedo, Luis Ortiz, and Osvaldo Bido are all showing good signs as all three men are trying to establish themselves at the big league level. With a lot of young guys and Hill's health always a factor, the Pirates' rotation is decent but fragile at the same time. The team does have a pair of top 100 pitching prospects in Anthony Solometo (AA) and Quinn Priester (AAA) on their way. If one of those rookies comes up and performs at a high level and the Pirates make a free agent signing, this rotation could have an entirely different look in the near future.