Bailey Falter Becoming Unexpected Fixture In Pirates’ Rotation
p/c: Justin Berl - Getty Images
After moving Rich Hill to the San Diego Padres at last year’s trade deadline, the Pittsburgh Pirates decided to add back to their starting rotation. The deal involved swapping infielder Rodolfo Castro to the Philadelphia Phillies, in exchange for left-hander Bailey Falter.
Following the trade, Falter made 10 appearances with Pittsburgh; seven of which were starts. In 40.1 innings pitched, he had a 5.58 ERA, along with a 5.78 FIP.
The 6’4 lefty entered spring training looking to claim one of two spots in the Pirates’ rotation. The catch being that he was out of minor league options.
Falter struggled immensely in the spring, as he gave up 14 earned runs in 16 innings, while allowing six home runs - the most of any pitcher - either Grapefruit or Cactus League.
Pirates GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton were faced with harsh criticism from both fans and media, when they chose to include Falter on the team’s Opening Day roster, despite his woeful, spring showing.
In his season debut versus the Miami Marlins on Easter Sunday, Falter surrendered six earned runs in four innings, which prompted more backlash on social media from the Pirates’ fanbase.
Since then, it’s as if a new lightbulb was inserted for Falter, as he’s been a bright spot within the rotation, with 70% of his starts to this point being quality outings.
Falter’s best start for the Pirates came on May 18th against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. He tossed 7.2 scoreless frames, while matching rookie sensation Shōta Imanaga pitch-by-pitch.
On Friday, Falter would take on the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park, and more than held his own versus one of baseball’s toughest lineups. He threw seven shutout innings, before giving up a three-run homer to Ronald Acuña Jr. in the eighth.
Falter has made 10 starts with the Pirates this season. To this point, he’s proving an enormous amount of doubters wrong. Falter is posting a 3.55 ERA. His WHIP of 0.98 is currently sixth lowest among MLB southpaw starters. Additionally, Falter has held opposing batters to a .625 OPS against.
Although Falter’s four-seam fastball averages only 91.5 mph, he’s been keeping hitters off balance with it, as they’re hitting .171, while slugging only .261. Not only is he commanding the four-seamer with solid, command, but more importantly, he’s throwing it with outstanding, extension.
The first two months of the 2024 season has resulted in Falter becoming a key part of the Pirates’ pitching staff, as well as one of MLB’s most pleasant surprises.