Pittsburgh Pirates Free Agent Target: Reliever Trevor May

In search of bullpen help this offseason, Trevor May could be a potential buy low free agent candidate for the Pittsburgh Pirates

As general manager Ben Cherington searches for help to reinforce a porous Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen, he could look to free agency. If Cherignton goes this route one veteran righty that he may pursue is Trevor May.

May pitched for the New York Mets in 2022, and his overall numbers were far from what he wanted. In 25.0 innings pitched, May walked 8.1% of batters faced, struck batters out at a 27.1% clip, and struggled with the long ball allowing home runs at a 1.44 HR/9 rate. This led to May owning a 5.04 ERA and a 3.87 FIP last season.

However, the overall starts do not tell the entire story of May’s season.

Even though he struggled with the Mets last season, May could be a strong bounce back candidate. This could make him a potential buy low candidate for the Pittsburgh Pirates to target in free agency.

Following an injury list stint last season, May posted a 3.24 ERA and a very strong 35.7% strikeout rate in 16.2 innings pitched. This stretch went from August 3rd through the end of the season and came after he spent more than three months on the IL.

May was doing this while functioning as a key cog out the Met bullpen. Often times, being used in high leverage situations by manager Buck Showalter. May also pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in the postseason, striking out four of the seven batters he faced.

Better stuff contributing to May’s bounce back and success after returning from the injured list. This including a big increase in velocity. Once again, these point to injuries being May’s biggest issue early in the season.

May is an eight-year MLB veteran. After starting his career by working as both a starter and a reliever, he has made just one start in the last six seasons. Since making this move in 2016, May has posted a 3.85 ERA, 3.68 FIP, 8.6% walk rate, and a 31.7% strikeout rate in 243.1 innings pitched.

It is reasonable to think May’s struggles last season were due to his injury. Especially with his career numbers being more in line with how he pitched after returning from the IL. May is a veteran bullpen arm that the Pirates should look into pursuing in free agency.