The Pittsburgh Pirates are gearing up for Spring Training with some exciting news regarding their pitching lineup. Manager Derek Shelton has announced that Carmen Mlodzinski will take the mound as the starter for their Grapefruit League opener against the Baltimore Orioles on February 22. Mlodzinski, a right-handed pitcher, demonstrated promise last season with a 5-5 record, 3.91 ERA, and impressive strikeout rate in 50.2 innings. After battling injuries early in his career, including elbow inflammation and a shoulder strain, Mlodzinski has shown resilience and growth on the field.

Drafted by the Pirates in 2020, Mlodzinski made his MLB debut in June 2023, showcasing potential with a solid rookie season. After a brief stint on the injured list, he made a comeback, indicating his readiness for the upcoming season. As Spring Training begins, all eyes will be on Mlodzinski to see if he can secure a strong position in the Pirates' pitching rotation.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have secured veteran left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney on a one-year contract worth $5.25 million, pending a physical examination. Heaney, 33, brings a wealth of experience, having compiled a 51-62 record with a 4.45 ERA over 11 seasons, primarily with the Los Angeles Angels. His recent tenure with the Texas Rangers saw him achieve a career-high 10 wins in 2023, contributing to their first World Series title.

Despite a challenging 2024 season, where he posted a 5-14 record with a 4.28 ERA in 32 games, the Pirates are eager to add a reliable left-handed presence to their pitching rotation, which currently features predominantly right-handed options. Heaney's durability is underscored by his ability to log at least 145 innings in each of the last two seasons, making him an attractive addition alongside standout rookie Paul Skenes.

The current state of Major League Baseball's starting pitchers is uncharacteristically weak, with no pitcher exceeding 230 strikeouts last season, a notable decline from previous years. Paul Skenes from the Pittsburgh Pirates stands out with an average fastball speed of 98.8 mph, ranking first in ERA but facing injury risks. Tarik Skubal, excelling in multiple pitching metrics, may lack offensive support. Zack Wheeler remains a consistent choice, though his strikeout rate is moderate. Chris Sale, a former Cy Young winner, poses injury concerns as he ages. Dark horse candidates include Blake Snell and Garrett Crochet, both capable of leading in strikeouts but plagued by inconsistencies. Lastly, Jacob deGrom's historical excellence contrasts with recent injury struggles.

As fantasy baseball drafts heat up, the debate over when to target closers intensifies. Securing a top option in the early rounds is critical, as the quest for at least 60 saves begins. Closers not only contribute saves but also impact ratio and strikeout categories, making their selection pivotal for fantasy success. A clear understanding of your league format and competitors can shape your draft strategy significantly.

Five must-have closers for the upcoming season include Felix Bautista from the Baltimore Orioles, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery but boasts impressive 2023 numbers. Lucas Erceg of the Kansas City Royals has the skill set to become a top-10 closer despite a shaky start. Trevor Megill, stepping into a more pivotal role with the Milwaukee Brewers, is expected to secure 25+ saves. David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2024, and Seth Halvorsen from the Colorado Rockies could defy traditional thoughts about Rockies pitchers with breakout potential in 2025.

Andrew Heaney has signed a one-year contract worth $5 million with the Pittsburgh Pirates, enhancing their rotation. The 33-year-old left-hander comes off a challenging 2023 season with a 4.28 ERA, but excelled as a swingman for the Texas Rangers, playing a crucial role in their World Series victory. His postseason performance saw him post a 3.86 ERA, showcasing his postseason resilience. With Pittsburgh, Heaney joins a rotation that pairs him with talents like Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller, aiming to bolster their pitching depth.

Heaney's career reflects mixed results; he has a 4.45 ERA over 11 seasons but showed flashes of brilliance during his short stint with the Dodgers in 2022. The Pirates are banking on his ability to thrive in spacious ballparks and hope his left-handed arm can offer advantages against right-handed hitters. Given his past injuries, the Pirates will monitor his performance closely.