The Pirates operate on a small budget, whether you agree or disagree with their view of running a professional sports team, it’s just what they do. The club values long-term success over a short-term bubble. They value their prospects because of the minimum six years of control, with three coming at league minimum. It’s why we have seen the Pirates buy low on pitchers they view as likely being strong acquisitions for the Pirates.
The team has had their success with some of these pitchers, primarily AJ Burnett (twice), Francisco Liriano (before dumping him), Ivan Nova, Edinson Volquez, and JA Happ.