Kyle

Nicolas

Retroactive or not, he won’t be eligible to pitch again this season. Nicolas had a 3.95 ERA and a 55/31 K/BB in 54 2/3 innings out of the Pirates pen.

He’ll replace Ryder Ryan in the Pirates’ bullpen after Ryan was optioned out following Thursday’s game. The 25-year-old hurler was off to a brilliant start at Triple-A, registering a minuscule 0.84 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and a 13/9 K/BB ratio over 10 2/3 innings in his nine appearances. The Pirates are hopeful that he’ll add stability to their middle relief corps.

The headliner here is obviously Skenes, the top-overall selection from the 2023 MLB Draft. The 21-year-old hurler fired three scoreless innings in Grapefruit League action, posting a 1.00 WHIP and 3/0 K/BB ratio. No matter how well he pitched in the spring though, it was always extremely unlikely that he would crack the team’s Opening Day rotation. Skenes making his big league debut in 2024 however, is much less of a long shot — it’s a question of when, not if. He should be rostered in deeper mixed leagues as a speculative stash candidate heading into the season.

Nicolas receives the call to the majors after posting a lackluster 5.20 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 127/52 K/BB ratio across 98 2/3 innings (35 appearances, 18 starts) this season between Triple-A Indianapolis and Double-A Altoona. The 24-year-old righty was a second-round selection in the 2020 MLB Draft and was acquired from the Marlins two years ago in the Jacob Stallings trade. He’s had success since shifting full-time to a relief role last month and will presumably pitch in relief for the Pirates.

Nicolas was the 61st overall pick in the 2020 draft out of Ball State, and while he posted a 5.29 ERA in his first professional season this year, he also struck out 86 hitters over 59 2/3 innings. There’s work to be done, but he has a high-powered fastball and a quality slider, and could be a mid-rotation starter if everything works out.

Nicolas gets the full slot value of $1,129,700 that comes from being the 61st pick. The former Ball State right-hander has a power profile; a fastball that can get up to triple digits and a slider that can get plus grades. He’ll need to improve his change and also continue his rise in throwing strikes if he’s going to start, but if worst comes to worst, he could operate as a high-leverage reliever thanks to those swing-and-miss offerings.