Pirates May Be Forced to Make Difficult Decision with Roansy Contreras
p/c: Charlie Neibergall
After receiving one spot start for the Pittsburgh Pirates towards the end of the 2021 season, Roansy Contreras got to showcase his abilities to a full extent in 2022. He pitched 95 innings for the Bucs that year, posting a 3.79 ERA and a 107 ERA+.
Entering 2023, Contreras was projected to be the Pirates #2 starter in the rotation behind Mitch Keller. While Contreras took a step forward in ‘22, he would take two big steps back last season - regressing in significant fashion.
In his first 11 starts, Contreras had an ERA of 5.94. The decision was made by the Pirates in mid-June to have him pitch out of the bullpen, in similar way that they did with Keller the year prior. Unlike Keller however, Contreras’ results in a relief role weren’t much better, as he allowed 13 earned runs in 12 innings (9.75 ERA).
Opposing hitters completely knocked around Contreras’ fastball last season, for an astounding .381 average. That figure was the highest off any MLB pitcher’s four-seamer. The fastball velocity also dipped from 95.8 in ‘22 down to 94.4 in ‘23. Oddly enough, the slider and curveball remained effective offerings for Contreras last year, as he registered a .221 BAA with the slider and a .222 BAA with the curve.
The Pirates had no choice but to option Contreras down to the minors, and they did so on July 14th. He was sent to the Florida Complex League, in order to pitch in a more controlled environment. Contreras eventually rejoined the AAA Indianapolis Indians. In eight games, six of which were starts, he posted a 4.96 ERA, but had a much higher 6.11 FIP. Unsurprisingly, Pittsburgh did not recall him in September.
Looking to wipe a clean slate for himself, Contreras entered Pirates’ camp in pursuit of claiming one of two spots in the back of the rotation.
The struggles have remained for Contreras this spring. Although the fastball velo is a tick up at 95, the command of it has been erratic. Even the slider and curve haven’t landed for strikes consistently.
In four Grapefruit League outings to this point, Contreras has an ERA of 7.59, and is allowing nearly two baserunners per inning, with a very high 1.97 WHIP.
Besides Contreras’ poor spring numbers is the fact that he has no minor league options left, which means exposing him to the waiver wire, if he doesn’t make the Pirates’ Opening Day roster. Contreras is still a young arm at 24, and is a season removed from being an above average MLB starter. That being said, it does come down to what has he done lately, and since June of 2023, it hasn’t been much at all.
Dauri Moreta is most likely to begin the season on the IL. This would open up an extra spot in the Pirates’ bullpen. Would management consider using Contreras in relief again? While it would be more preferably and ideal to have relievers who are performing better to earn those spots, Contreras is someone that you would hate to see given up on. Perhaps the Pirates carry Contreras in the bullpen to open the season, with the hopes of turning things around. However, it needs to come with a short leash.