As the Pittsburgh Pirates search for a fifth starter, the temptation to look inward is understandable. After all, the 2025 campaign saw Carmen Mlodzinski post a 3.55 ERA across 99 innings. A 3.33 FIP. Career-best command. One homer allowed after June. Those are the kinds of numbers that make front offices squint, lean back, and start asking, “What if?”
But the Pirates can’t afford to ask that question again with Mlodzinski — not in the rotation, at least. Because we already know the answer.
On paper, Mlodzinski’s 2025 looks like the breakout of a flexible, modern arm — the kind of pitcher who can give you innings wherever you need them.