
Reliever Luke Gregerson
Veteran reliever Luke Gregerson is coming off of three straight disappointing seasons. In 2017, he pitched to a 4.57 ERA/4.62 FIP, and 1.34 WHIP with the Astros. This was his last season in Houston. After 2017, he left to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals. His first season in St. Louis was dreadful. He gave up 10 earned runs in an extremely small 12.2 innings sample size. He missed a majority of the season because of injury. 2019 wasn’t much different. He gave up 5 earned runs in 5.2 innings, but only two of the 11 base hits he gave up were for extra bases. He also walked just one batter.
But he was extremely consistent and effective before 2017. From 2009 to 2016, Gregerson pitched to a 2.84 ERA, 2.98 FIP, and 1.05 WHIP. The right hander struck out 9.0 batters per 9, while just walking 2.5 per 9. He ranked eighth in relief pitcher fWAR (8.9), while also averaging 67 innings a season.
Now, yes, Gregerson’s pitch velocity has severely dropped the last two seasons. Last year, his fastball velocity sat at just 86.7 MPH. However, some of the loss could be accounted to his injuries. He probably isn’t going to attract much attention, so at most, the Pirates could get him on a minor league deal.