Antonio Bastardo, the newest member of the Pirates’ bullpen

Acquired in a December trade with the Philadelphia Phillies, left-hander Antonio Bastardo joins the likes of Tony Watson, Mark Melancon, Stolmy Pimentel and John Holdzkom in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ bullpen – which was already an area of strength for the ball club.

Still just 29 years old, Bastardo offers another high-upside southpaw to manager Clint Hurdle this season after putting together a solid campaign in the City of Brotherly Love last year. Across 67 relief appearances, the southpaw posted a 3.94 ERA, 1.203 WHIP and 3.10 FIP.

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Bastardo and the Pirates avoided arbitration this winter after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $3.1 million contract last month. Watson will continue to be the go-to man from the left-side after posting a 1.63 ERA last season for Pittsburgh, but the addition of the 29-year-old Dominican adds a dangerous weapon to the mix moving forward.

Two years ago with Philadelphia, Bastardo posted an All-Star caliber season in which he put up a 2.32 earned run average in 42 2/3 innings of work – lending reason to believe the Pirates could have added a dominant piece to what many consider to already be their biggest asset as they seek a third-straight postseason appearance.

Even on just the one-year deal, Bastardo makes the Pirates an all-around better team – and given the asking price wasn’t unreasonable, it should be considered a victory for Neal Huntington and the Pittsburgh front office.

In six seasons with the Phillies, the left-hander went 20-18 with a respectable 3.72 earned run average. While it’s a far cry from eye-popping numbers, he’s shown himself to be reliable – although consistency will be key in 2015 as he heads into a contract year.

Tony Watson is – and continues to be – the southpaw for the Pirates’ bullpen. But don’t count out the contributions Antonio Bastardo will make in the Bucs’ pursuit of a division crown.