Photo provided by Matt Lynch
Everybody knows the Pittsburgh Pirates’ biggest need this offseason is offense — and lots of it. But lineup upgrades won’t be the sole focus for general manager Ben Cherington this winter.
As things currently stand, the Pirates only have two left-handed pitchers on their 40-man roster. Top prospect Hunter Barco made his MLB debut for the Pirates at the end of the season, and Evan Sisk joined the organization at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Bailey Falter to the Kansas City Royals.
The Pirates will likely try to land multiple bullpen arms this offseason, but at least one of them will need to be a left-hander. There is no shortage of options who will be available in free agency, but let’s focus on some of the better names who will be available.
Here are a few names that could make sense.
Sean Newcomb
Newcomb had a strong bounce-back season between his time with the Athletics and Boston Red Sox. In 48 appearances between the two clubs, the 32-year-old posted a robust 2.73 ERA with a pair of saves and struck out 91 batters in 92.1 innings — his highest total since 2018.
In addition to traditional relief appearances, Newcomb made several spot starts and covered at least four innings eight times. The ability to step into the rotation when needed for the Pirates next season could be beneficial.
Gregory Soto
Soto began the season with the Baltimore Orioles before he was traded to the New York Mets at the deadline. He finished the season with a 4.18 ERA — and a 3.42 FIP — across a career-high 70 appearances. The 30-year-old totaled 60.1 innings and struck out 70 batters.
A two-time All-Star with the Detroit Tigers from 2021-22, Soto has a career 4.26 ERA across seven seasons, including a 3.96 ERA since the start of his first All-Star campaign.
Taylor Rogers
Rogers was with the Pirates for roughly 24 hours after he was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in the Ke’Bryan Hayes trade before he was shipped to the Chicago Cubs the next day. Why not give him a longer second stint with Pittsburgh?
Rogers finished the 2025 season at 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA in 57 appearances. In 10 big-league seasons, the 34-year-old veteran has a 3.34 ERA between six different teams.
Caleb Ferguson
Run it back? Ferguson signed with the Pirates as a free agent last offseason and went 2-2 with a 3.74 ERA before getting traded at the deadline. He landed with Seattle, where he helped the Mariners reach the ALCS after going 3-2 with a 3.27 ERA in 25 appearances in the regular season.
Ferguson seemed to enjoy his time with the Pirates. There’s obviously familiarity between the two sides, so a reunion with the 29-year-old could make sense.
Other options: Andrew Chafin, Danny Coulombe, Hoby Milner, Drew Pomeranz, Brooks Raley, Caleb Thielbar, Justin Wilson
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