Pirates Bolster Bullpen, Sign Former All-Star Closer Gregory Soto to One-Year Deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made their first major move of the offseason. The team has agreed to a contract with free agent reliever Gregory Soto. This news was first reported by ESPN during the Winter Meetings in Orlando. The deal is for one year and is worth $7.75 million.This signing directly addresses a critical weakness in the Pirates’ pitching staff. Soto, a left-handed pitcher, brings experience and a proven track record to a bullpen lacking reliable southpaw options.

What Soto Brings to Pittsburgh

Gregory Soto is a veteran of seven MLB seasons. He will turn 31 next year. The lefty is best known for his successful stint as the Detroit Tigers’ closer.He earned back-to-back All-Star selections in 2021 and 2022. During those seasons, he recorded 18 and 30 saves respectively. Soto relies primarily on a sinker and a sharp slider to get outs.His recent performance has been more varied. He posted a 3.96 ERA in 45 games for Baltimore last season. After a trade to the New York Mets, his ERA rose to 4.50. The Pirates are betting that a change of scenery will help him recapture his All-Star form.

Filling a Glaring Roster Need

The Pirates’ bullpen was overwhelmingly right-handed last season. This left them at a strategic disadvantage against lefty-heavy lineups. Adding a pitcher like Soto was a clear offseason priority.Before this signing, Evan Sisk was the only left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster. Sisk posted a 4.38 ERA in a brief 14-game audition last year. Prospect Hunter Barco also saw minimal action.The team had protected another lefty, Tyler Samaniego, but traded him earlier this month. This move made the need for a left-handed reliever even more urgent. Soto immediately becomes the most experienced lefty in the Pirates’ bullpen.

Bullpen Outlook for the Coming Season

New pitching coach Bill Murphy now has a key project. His task will be to help Soto return to his peak performance. A rebound would give Pittsburgh a formidable late-inning option.The bullpen core returns several reliable arms. Justin Lawrence, Isaac Mattson, and Carmen Mlodzinski are expected to play significant roles. Several young starters may also transition to relief work if they don’t secure rotation spots.This includes pitchers like Braxton Ashcraft and Mike Burrows. Their potential addition would provide depth and flexibility. The Soto signing is likely just the start of the Pirates’ bullpen reconstruction.

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The addition of Gregory Soto gives the Pirates a much-needed veteran left-handed presence. His proven ability to close games adds a new dimension to their late-inning strategy. Pittsburgh’s bullpen just got more interesting and potentially much stronger.

Dropping this nugget your way

Who is Gregory Soto?

Gregory Soto is a left-handed relief pitcher. He is a two-time American League All-Star from his time with the Detroit Tigers. He has also played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Mets.

Why did the Pirates need a left-handed reliever?

Their bullpen was almost exclusively right-handed last season. This made it difficult to match up against opposing teams’ best left-handed hitters late in games. Soto fills a major strategic hole on the roster.

How did Soto perform last season?

He had a solid first half with the Baltimore Orioles, with a 3.96 ERA. After a mid-season trade to the Mets, he struggled, posting a 4.50 ERA. The Pirates are hoping for a return to his 2021-2022 All-Star form.

What is the financial terms of the contract?

According to the ESPN report, it is a one-year agreement worth $7.75 million. This is a typical “prove-it” deal for a veteran player looking to reestablish his value.

Will the Pirates make more bullpen additions?

It is very likely. General Manager Ben Cherington stated that adding pitching was the top priority. Signing Soto probably does not end their search for relief help this winter.