PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - A look at Pirates players from last year and the potential for them to be a part of a hopeful Bucco resurgence in two or three years.
After trying to find a role with the Pirates, Steven Brault may be emerging as an option as a rare left-handed starter in the organization.
Is Steven Brault a part of the Pirates future?
CONTRACT—The lowest paid of the five member 2 million dollar plus club ($2.05), Brault is eligible for arbitration the next two seasons and a free agent in 2024.
HISTORY—An 11th round pick of the Orioles in 2013, acquired in the Travis Snider trade in 2015. Brault impressed early going 13-4 with a 2.43 ERA between A and AA in his first year with the Bucs. Brault started 2016 with AAA, going 2-7, but a 3.91 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 71.1 innings. The California native would get 7 starts in the majors in 2016, going 0-3 with a 4.86 ERA. He split time between AAA and the majors in 2017.
OUTPUT—The 28-year-old Brault became mostly a MLB reliever in 2018, pitching in 45 games, going 6-3 with a 4.61 ERA with a career-high 57 walks in 91.2 innings. 2019-Brault mostly started, 19 of the 25 appearances with a 5.16 ERA and 1.5 WHIP. Brault really finished off last year well, a complete game two-hitter against the Cardinals and 7 shutout innings against the Cubs in the finale. Brault would finish the year 1-3 with a 3.38 ERA, allowing only 2 homers.
OUTLOOK—Did Brault find something with a new pitching coach? Known more for his singing than his pitching, Brault seemed to find a groove last year with a steady rotation spot and some new instruction. It's a huge year for the California native.
YES—If Brault continues with what he showed last year, he could not just be a place-holder, but join Keller as part of a future rotation. He's the perfect teammate and there aren't many lefties in the Bucs system.
