The Pittsburgh Pirates are calling on a legendary pitcher to inspire their young team! Manager Don Kelly has invited former All-Star A.J. Burnett to join the team's Spring Training as a mentor, a move that has fans and experts intrigued. But is this a stroke of genius or a risky gamble?
The Pirates' pitching staff dominated in 2025, achieving an impressive 19 shutouts and finishing with the third-lowest team ERA in the National League. With Cy Young award winner Paul Skenes leading the rotation, the team is poised for another strong season in 2026. And now, Kelly is bringing in extra firepower with Burnett, who will be at Spring Training for several days, according to Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Here's the twist: Burnett, now 49, is a former Pirate himself! He spent three of his last four MLB seasons with the team, including a memorable 2015 campaign where he earned his only All-Star honor. That year, he posted a career-best 3.18 ERA and 1.36 WHIP, helping the Pirates reach the playoffs. But can he still bring that magic to the team as a mentor?
Beazley suggests that Kelly's decision to bring in Burnett could be a strategic move to bridge the gap between the current Pirates and the team's past glory. It's a unique approach, and one that might just pay off. But here's where it gets controversial: is it a sign of desperation or a clever tactic to motivate the players?
Only time will tell if Burnett's presence will inspire the Pirates to new heights or if it's a short-lived reunion. One thing's for sure: this move has everyone talking. What do you think? Is this a masterstroke or a potential distraction? Share your thoughts in the comments!
