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Pittsburgh Pirates: Black Friday Shopping 2021

By Marty Leap

Aug 11, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington (left) talks with manager Derek Shelton (right) during batting practice before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington (left) talks with manager Derek Shelton (right) during batting practice before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 17: Nick Wittgren #62 of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 17: Nick Wittgren #62 of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

Right-Handed Relievers

The Pittsburgh Pirates would also benefit from adding right-handed relief help this offseason. In general, the bullpen is an area of need for the Bucs. So, what right-handed relievers could be had at an affordable price?

Nick Wittgren could be a name to watch. Hi 5.05 ERA and 4.84 FIP last season were not pretty, but they were inflated due to allowing 13 home runs in 62.1 innings pitched. Wittgren’s 6.6% walk rate and 23.1% strikeout rate were both strong.

Veteran Steve Cishek could be an intriguing options as well. The 36-year-old is coming off a strong season with the Los Angeles Angels in which he posted a 3.42 ERA, 3.74 FIP and a 20.8% strikeout rate in 68.1 innings of work. Cishek will not demand a big contract this offseason and would provide a boost to the Pirate bullpen.

Due to multiple injuries, including Tommy John Surgery, veteran Kirby Yates has pitched just 4.1 innings since the start of the 2020 season. This includes missing all of 2021. That said, he is looking to make a return in 2021 and would do so at a cheap price in an effort to rebuild his value. This return could be with the Pirates.

Next. Pirates Re-Sing Yoshi Tsutsugo. dark

Another pitcher looking to bounce back from injury is Oliver Drake. He missed the entire 2021 season due to an ale bow injury, but has a lifetime 26.2% strikeout rate, 4.27 ERA and a 3.72 FIP in 204.1 innings pitched. Like Yates, Drake could likely be had at a bargain price as he looks to rebuild his value.

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