Pirates Sign Left-Handed Reliever Caleb Ferguson To One-Year Deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates added a much-needed reliever to their bullpen ahead of the 2025 Major League Baseball season.

Pittsburgh’s starting rotation is likely the team’s greatest strength, led by superstar phenom pitcher Paul Skenes. Although the Pirates’ rotation is strong, the bullpen is one area needing improvement. The Pirates’ bullpen ranked in the lower third of the league in reliever ERA while also blowing more saves than almost any team.

Pittsburgh needed a southpaw reliever, as they only had one on its roster who hardly played this season. The Pirates got just what they needed by signing Houston Astros left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson, according to MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf.

“The Pirates entered the offseason with a desire to upgrade their bullpen, with the unit in clear need of a left-handed reliever,” Stumpf said. “On Thursday, they added a southpaw, agreeing with Caleb Ferguson on a one-year, $3 million deal, per sources, but there is a chance the veteran could instead wind up in the Pirates’ rotation. The team has not confirmed the deal, which is pending a physical.”

“Ferguson’s 3.37 ERA and 47.2% ground-ball rate since the start of the 2022 season are 13th among left-handed relief pitchers with at least 140 innings pitched. Assuming he sticks in the bullpen, Ferguson would be a much-needed boost. Last year’s bullpen did not live up to expectations, and they finished 27th in reliever ERA (4.49) and tied for third in blown saves (27).”

Ferguson went 1-4 last season with the Astros and the New York Yankees. He had a 4.64 ERA with 67 strikeouts across 54 1/3 innings pitched. In his six season career, Ferguson has a career ERA of 3.68 and should help improve the Pirates’ bullpen next season.

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