Pittsburgh Pirates 2022 Outlook: Left-Handed Relief Options

Dillon Peters

Last July the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Dillon Peters from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash considerations. Peters would join the Pirate active roster in August, making 6 starts for the team down the stretch.

Peters pitched 26.2 innings in his 6 starts, posting a strong 3.71 ERA and a 3.66 FIP. He walked 8.5% of batters faced, struck out batters at a 19.7% clip and allowed just 2 home runs, giving him a home run rate of 0.68 HR/9.

Following this performance Peters will likely entering spring training with a shot to earn a spot in the team’s starting rotation. While Quintana, Miguel Yajur and Bryse Wilson likely have rotation spots locked up, everything else is open for completion.

That said, Ben Cherington has expressed interest in still adding starting pitching help before the season begins. Additionally, JT Brubaker, Wil Crowe and Mitch Keller will all be competing for rotation spots as well. If the new CBA changes MLB’s service time rules then Roansy Contreras could be in the discussion as well.

With the performance Peters had with the Pirates down the stretch last season it is difficult to envision him not making the team’s Opening Day roster. This could come as either a starting pitcher or a reliever. This puts Peters in the mix for potential Opening Day left-handed relief pitching options.