Matt

Gorski

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.

The 21-year-old top prospect wound up making five appearances in his first professional season — posting a 5.40 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and a 10/2 K/BB ratio over 6 2/3 innings across three minor league levels. He’s a longshot to crack the Pirates’ Opening Day rotation, but don’t be surprised if we see him at some point in 2024. The 12 other players invited to major league spring training were INF Andres Alvarez, C Carter Bins, INF Jack Brannigan, RHP Bubba Chandler, OF Matt Gorski, C Abrahan Gutierrez, RHP Thomas Harrington, INF Termarr Johnson, RHP Jared Jones, INF Joe Perez, LHP Anthony Solameto and RHP Sean Sullivan.