The Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly set to bolster their bullpen by signing reliever Gregory Soto to a one-year deal valued at $7.75 million, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. While the team has not officially announced the move, it marks a significant addition for the Pirates as they head into the upcoming season.
Last season, Soto made a total of 70 appearances while playing for both the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Mets. His performance began on a high note with Baltimore, but a mid-season trade to New York led to a mixed bag of results. Initially, he impressed during his early outings with the Mets, achieving nine consecutive scoreless appearances. However, his form notably declined in September, where he posted a troubling 7.94 ERA, coinciding with the Mets’ struggles to secure a playoff spot.
This transfer to Pittsburgh will represent Soto’s fifth team in as many seasons. He first made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2019, quickly establishing himself as a reliable asset in the bullpen. By 2021, Soto had ascended to the role of closer for the Tigers, recording 18 saves and earning an All-Star selection. The following season saw him notch 30 saves, leading to another All-Star appearance. However, after the 2022 season, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies as part of a deal that included Matt Vierling. After a season and a half characterized by an ERA in the mid-4.00s, Soto found himself on the move again, this time heading to Baltimore.
The Pirates enter the new season with a bullpen that ranked 18th in SIERA and 22nd in xFIP from the previous year. The departure of longtime closer David Bednar, alongside the trading of key lefty Caleb Ferguson at the deadline, left a gap in the lineup. Although Dennis Santana has shown promise and is expected to continue in the closer role for the 2026 season, the Pirates had limited options available, especially among left-handed pitchers, prior to Soto’s arrival. With only Evan Sisk filling the southpaw spot in the bullpen, Soto’s signing aims to enhance the team’s overall performance and depth.
Further updates regarding Soto’s integration into the Pirates’ roster and the implications for the team’s pitching strategy are anticipated.
