MLB Executive Reveals Why Pirates Could Be Terrifying In October

“The Pirates have enough pitching that you would not want to play them in October,” an American League executive told Jayson Stark of The Athletic (subscription required). “I mean, obviously you’re going to get really good starters in Games 1, 2 and 3.”

Assuming they're healthy, that would likely be Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Braxton Ashcraft, or potentially even Jared Jones if he comes back strong.

Pittsburgh's lineup could also be more dangerous by October if Ben Cherington adds another big bat at the trade deadline.

“Pitching-wise, they’ve got the inventory in their system to go out and get what they need offensively if they’ll take on the money," a different AL executive told Stark.

The Pirates added payroll over the winter, so if they're willing to add more at the deadline, they could be in great shape by the postseason.

More MLB: Ben Cherington Explains Pirates' Stunning Transformation Into Contenders