The 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates team was the first Bucco team since 1992 to not only reach the post a winning record, but also make the playoffs. While Andrew McCutchen, Mark Melancon and Francisco Liriano were the big names to focus on that season, veteran right-handed starter A.J. Burnett was one of the biggest leaders of the team, both on and off the field and had the numbers to back it up. However, he was one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball that season.
After a strong 2012 bounce back season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Burnett was primed to open the season as the Bucs’ ace and he held that title for most of the season.