The Pittsburgh Pirates are poised for the 2025 season with a solid group of starting pitchers but are looking to enhance their rotation by potentially signing Jakob Junis. As they prepare for an open competition for the fifth starter position, top pitching prospects like Bubba Chandler will be in the mix.

With the recent trade involving Luis L. Ortiz and Spencer Horwitz, the Pirates have room to strengthen their pitching depth. Junis, who had a strong 2024 season with a 2.69 ERA, could provide both a starting option and bullpen flexibility.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made minimal moves this offseason, with the most significant being the acquisition of first baseman Spencer Horwitz. However, a potential game-changer could be on the horizon with Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki entering the free-agent market. Posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki has garnered interest from multiple teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers.

Although the Pirates typically struggle in bidding wars against larger markets, Sasaki's status as an international free agent means they have a fighting chance, bolstered by their high international bonus pool. His agent indicates that the decision will heavily depend on a team's commitment to player development. The Pirates boast a formidable pitching development program, highlighted by recent successes like National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are poised for another exciting season with the anticipated debut of top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler, following Paul Skenes' successful rookie campaign. Chandler, who is regarded as the Pirates' premier prospect, recently showcased his talent at Triple-A Indianapolis, where he achieved a remarkable 4-0 record with a 1.83 ERA in seven starts.

Experts like Tom Verducci and Jonathan Mayo have high hopes for Chandler, predicting he could win the National League Rookie of the Year in 2025. Chandler's impressive stats, including 148 strikeouts over 119.2 innings, suggest he is ready to make an impact at the major league level.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are exploring trade options for their pitching depth, particularly involving Mitch Keller and Jared Jones. While Keller's trade could provide payroll flexibility and a chance to acquire a strong hitter, his recent performance shows inconsistency. Jones, despite a promising rookie season, is also on the trading block, raising eyebrows.

General Manager Ben Cherington emphasizes the need to maintain pitching strength while upgrading the offense. The potential trades could hinge on the confidence in their top pitching prospects, but moving either player without securing a proven bat could be seen as a missed opportunity.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are contemplating leveraging their pitching depth to address weaknesses in their offense and bullpen this offseason. With a strong rotation and a wealth of pitching prospects, the team faces a crucial decision as they head into the Winter Meetings.

Recent trades have bolstered their lineup, but the Pirates must navigate offers carefully to maintain their top pitching prospects. As they prepare for a pivotal 2025 season, the pressure is on to make strategic moves that could enhance their competitiveness in the National League Central.