Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones. Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

The Pirates must add Jared Jones to their starting rotation

By Nick Hedderick | Last updated 3/24/24

The competition for the Pirates' last two rotation spots has been a talking point throughout the spring. While there were some pleasant surprises, nobody made a stronger case for an open role than Jared Jones.

The 22-year-old prospect completed his final exhibition start with a 4-1 victory against the Red Sox on Saturday. While Jones gave up a spring-high four hits, he successfully navigated through five innings without allowing an earned run.

This continued an impressive trend for the club's No. 3 prospect, who surrendered zero earned runs throughout 16.1 innings in total this spring. Hitters have struggled to figure out Jones, hitting just .167 against him with 15 strikeouts.

Jared Jones is making his case.

MLB's No. 62 prospect hit 98 mph or higher -- topping out at 99.9 -- for the @Pirates.

5 IP
4 H
1 R
0 ER
4 BB
5⃣ K pic.twitter.com/fQqz1PZmU5
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 23, 2024

Another strong candidate, Chase Anderson, was granted his release on Saturday and quickly scooped up by the Red Sox.

The veteran hurler had posted a 2-0 record with an ERA of 2.45 in 11 innings of work throughout spring training. The move leaves the Bucs to decide between Jones, Quinn Priester, Luis Ortiz and others.

One red flag for Jones is his control. He dished out eight walks in Grapefruit League play, which was the second-highest mark on the team. Four of the walks did come against Boston, making the minimal damage from the contest even more impressive.

No matter what the Pirates decide, it seems as if Jones appreciates the ride and is focused on taking everything in stride.

“It’s obviously an exciting time, just hearing all the stuff,” Jones told MLB.com. “Whatever happens, happens. Triple-A is not the end of the world. Breaking with the team, that’s awesome.”

Manager Derek Shelton also told the media the team's decision would potentially come within the next 24 hours. Even if Jones finds himself off of the Opening Day roster, it is safe to say that he will be on the bump at PNC Park before long.

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