Pittsburgh Pirates: First Opening Day Roster Prediction of 2024
Once again, David Bednar will anchor the Pirate bullpen. Carmen Mldozinski, Dauri Moreta, and Colin Holderman should join him as late-inning high-leverage relievers. After breaking out last season Ryan Borucki will make the bullpen as a lefty, and Jose Hernandez will likely join him.
Seeing Colin Selby on the list may come as a surprise to some. After all, he had a 9.00 ERA and a 4.80 FIP in 24.0 innings pitched in his first MLB action last season. That said, Selby struck out a healthy 26.3% of batters faced and has absolutely nasty stuff. Selby's stuff is too good to not find success in a MLB bullpen moving forward.
Bailey Falter is likely a surprise as well. However, Falter is out of minor league options. Due to this, the Pirates would have to designate him for assignment if he does not make the team's Opening Day roster. The bullpen also needs a pitcher for a long/swing man role, a role that Falter could find himself in to start the season.
