Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Free Agent Bullpen Targets

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Sean Doolittle #62 of the Seattle Mariners pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks at T-Mobile Park on September 12, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Sean Doolittle #62 of the Seattle Mariners pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks at T-Mobile Park on September 12, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen was atrocious almost all year long aside from David Bednar and Chris Stratton. There are plenty of pitchers available this year in free agency that could bolster the bullpen and help get back on track. Here are 3 free agent relief options the Pirates should consider signing during the off-season.

Left-handed pitcher Sean Doolittle

The Pittsburgh Pirates should consider signing 35-year-old left-handed pitcher Sean Doolittle. Doolittle is set to be a free agent after this year and could be a great addition to a bullpen that needs a lot of help. He finished the 2021 campaign with a 3-1 overall record in 56 games pitched.

Doolittle had a 4.53 ERA in the bullpen with 1 save on the season. He pitched a total of 49.2 innings with 53 strikeouts. He started the year with the Reds but on August 24th was designated for assignment. The Seattle Mariners claimed in on August 26th of this year.

In 2021, Doolittle had a WAR of 0.4 with a 4.38 FIP. He walked batters he faced 10.3% of the time and had a 23.8% strikeout rate. His ground ball rate was only 19.0% of the time. I believe the Pirates could get Doolittle for a good price for 2022. His contract was at $1.5 million for the 2021 season and I truly believe the Pirates could get him for close to the same price next year.