The Pittsburgh Pirates recently shook up their roster by trading right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox just days before the 2025 Winter Meetings. But here's the real question: Who will step up to fill the void left by Oviedo? While Oviedo’s health struggles—missing all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery and the first four months of 2025 with a lat injury—limited his impact, he was a reliable arm when available. In 2023, he made 32 starts, and upon his return in August 2025, he logged the fourth-most innings among Pirates pitchers down the stretch. Yet, with a star-studded rotation led by Paul Skenes, Braxton Ashcraft, Mitch Keller, and Bubba Chandler, Oviedo’s future role was already in question. Even if he’d landed in the bullpen, his departure leaves a significant gap in innings pitched—one that several Pirates pitchers are poised to fill.
And this is the part most people miss: Oviedo’s exit isn’t just about replacing a pitcher; it’s about reshaping the team’s strategy for the upcoming season. Let’s dive into three candidates who could seize this opportunity—each with their own unique strengths and potential controversies.
1. Hunter Barco: The Obvious Frontrunner
Hunter Barco is the most natural choice to step into Oviedo’s shoes. In 2025, the rookie left-hander posted a stellar 2.81 ERA, 3.54 FIP, and 1.20 WHIP across 99.1 innings in Double-A and Triple-A. His 27.8% strikeout rate and 29.4% whiff rate at Triple-A Indianapolis were particularly impressive. But here's where it gets controversial: While Barco’s 11.8% walk rate raises some concerns, his MLB debut—three scoreless innings with no walks and three strikeouts—suggests he’s ready for the big leagues. As a top-ten prospect in the Pirates’ system (ranked 78th overall by MLB Pipeline), starting him in the bullpen might seem unconventional. However, the Pirates have successfully done this before, and it could keep Barco in the majors rather than sending him back to Triple-A.
2. Thomas Harrington: The Redemption Story
Thomas Harrington might not be the first name that comes to mind, especially after a brutal 2025 season. At Triple-A, he struggled with a 5.34 ERA, 5.55 FIP, and 1.31 WHIP over 96 innings, paired with a troubling 1.88 HR/9 rate. His brief MLB stint was even worse, allowing 15 earned runs in just 8.2 innings. But here's the twist: Harrington entered 2025 as a consensus top-100 prospect after a strong 2024 campaign. Could a swingman role—a hybrid of starting and relieving—be the key to his rebound? This approach would ease the pressure on him while allowing the Pirates to avoid stashing Barco, another top prospect, in the bullpen. It’s a risky move, but one that could pay off if Harrington regains his form.
3. Brandan Bidois: The High-Risk, High-Reward Reliever
The Pirates recently added Australian right-hander Brandan Bidois to the 40-man roster after his dominant 2025 season. With a microscopic 0.74 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, and 2.44 FIP over 61 innings, Bidois struck out 30% of batters faced and didn’t allow a single home run. But here's the catch: His below-average command (11.7% walk rate) and extensive injury history limit his workload, despite his four-pitch mix. While he’s a traditional reliever and unlikely to start, Bidois could provide 60-70 innings and potentially grow into a high-leverage role. His ability to pitch multiple innings in 27 of his 40 appearances last season makes him a versatile option, though his durability remains a question mark.
The Bigger Question: Who Should Get the Nod?
Barco offers the most upside as a top prospect, but starting him in the bullpen could stunt his development. Harrington’s potential for a rebound is intriguing, but his 2025 struggles can’t be ignored. Bidois brings electric stuff but carries significant injury risk. Which approach would you take? Is it better to bet on a proven prospect, give a struggling talent another chance, or gamble on raw potential? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from settled.
