The rotation

The biggest news from Spring Training involves two pitchers who were starters last season but now looking at new roles this season. Young southpaw Kyle Harrison made 24 starts as a rookie but will open the season in AAA after being optioned. He’s only 23 and can certainly grow and learn and get back to the bigs real soon. Hayden Birdsong had 16 starts last year but will begin this year in the bullpen. He’s pitched well in the pre-season but was pipped for the fifth spot by Landen Roupp. Birdsong like Harrison is just 23 so he’s got time to develop. The 26-year old Roupp has fewer ML innings than either of his younger teammates but nonetheless edged them out for the coveted final starter position.

Logan Webb of course remains the Number One and is expected to be among the league leaders in innings again. He’s thrown 200+ in both 2023 and 2024. He’s a grizzled ace at age 28. Speaking of grizzled, 33-year old lefty Robbie Ray and 42-year old Justin Verlander get the next two spots. Both have Cy Young Awards on their shelves. JV is Cooperstown-bound but it’s hard to count on a pitcher in their 40s. That being said I would not be surprised by a resurgence. Maybe 25 starts, 150 IP, and 2+ WAR? Is that unrealistic? Robbie Ray is just as hard to project. If he can stay healthy and deliver 30 starts he could be Robin to Webb’s Batman and the Dynamic Duo could make an impact on the pennant race.

The fourth spot goes to Jordan Hicks. I really liked this move when Farhan Zaidi signed the converted reliever. Hicks has dominant stuff and wanted to re-invent himself as a starter. The experiment worked for a while then collapsed. I appreciate a ballplayer who steps outside of his comfort zone! We’ll see if he can find his way in 2025. Perhaps a different usage pattern would help. Most guys don’t like a mixed starter/reliever role but we’ve seen it work. Yusmeiro Petit might be one of the best guys ever to do that. He’s proof it’s possible!

There’s now some depth in the organization. Keaton Winn, Mason Black, Tristan Beck and The Carsons (Whisenhunt, Seymour, and Ragsdale) will all be in Sacramento with Harrison. That bodes well for the future.

 –M.C.