Pittsburgh Pirates: Looking at Current Bullpen Options for 2023

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ST LOUIS, MO – APRIL 10: Wil Crowe #29 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on April 10, 2022 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

Last week, we examined all the potential options the Pittsburgh Pirates had for their starting pitching, but who make up their relief pitching options for 2023?

Earlier this week, we looked at all the Pittsburgh Pirates options for the starting rotation in 2023. Now, let’s move to the bullpen and see what players could be part of the next potential shark tank. The Pirates have some notable relief prospects coming up through the pipeline, along with some major league options.

There are plenty of players to discuss, so don’t take this article as a “these players should be in the bullpen next season” type analysis. Take it more as a depth chart analysis. Typically, bullpens comprise seven or eight members, and we’ll take a look at a lot more than that. From major leaguers to emergency depth pitchers, there’s plenty to delve into.

Major League Arms

David Bednar should return as the 9th inning man in 2023. Bednar had a scorching hot start to the 2022 campaign. Through June 23rd, Bednar was one of the best relievers in the sport, owning a 1.30 ERA, 2.25 FIP, and 0.78 WHIP. Batters couldn’t touch Bednar, striking out 36.9% of the time and hitting a putrid .157 against him. He also only had a 6.2% walk rate and 0.78 HR/9. However, he would then go on to have a rough late-June/July, allowing ten earned runs in 10.0 innings, walking six, and even worse, losing about a half-MPH of velo.

Eventually, Bednar was placed on the injured list and didn’t return until late September. When Bednar did return, he lost even more velocity, sitting at 95.5 MPH. The results were decent, though, as he pitched five innings, allowed just one earned run, struck out 27.3%, and didn’t allow a home run. They weren’t nearly as dominant as his first-half stats, but a full off-season of rest and a less intense workload in 2023 could do Bednar a lot of good.

After all, Bednar worked like a dog in the first half. Despite pitching just nine fewer innings, he appeared in 16 fewer games and threw 30 or more pitches in four different games, twice as often as last season. Bednar was never asked to throw more than 31 pitches in 2021 but threw 40+ twice and 20+ 13 times in ’22. In ’21, he pitched 20+ pitches in a game 13 times as well, but he appeared in 16 fewer games.

Wil Crowe should join Bednar. Crowe had an up-and-down season in his first year out of the bullpen. Going into August, Crowe had a quality 3.21 ERA, 3.36 FIP, and 1.21 WHIP in 56 innings of work. While he had just a 22.6% K-rate and 10.2% walk rate, Crowe was excellent at limiting home runs. He had an HR/9 of just .48 due to his ability to prevent hard contact and induce ground balls. Opponents had just a 24.5% hard-hit rate/86.1 MPH exit velocity and a 47.7% ground ball rate.

But August and September were brutal for the right-hander. In his last 20 innings of ’22, Crowe limped to a 7.65 ERA, 6.96 FIP, and 1.90 WHIP. Crowe saw his strikeout rate plummet to an abysmal 15.5% rate while his walk rate shot up to 14.4%. After keeping the ball in the park for three-quarters of the season, Crowe would then go on to allow home runs like there was no tomorrow with a 2.25 HR/9. Opponents barreled the right-hander up for a 90.9 MPH exit velo/51.5% hard-hit rate. The only positive for Crowe in the season’s home stretch was a 54.4% ground ball rate.

Now granted, Crowe was thrust into a role he was wholly unfamiliar with. With David Bednar, Colin Holderman, and Yerry De Los Santos all landing on the IL within a week of each other, Crowe was essentially forced into the 9th inning. He made his way from long relief at the start of the year to a higher leverage 7th/8th inning role which he did semi-decent in. However, he would pitch outside of the 8th/9th inning just three times in August/September. Crowe isn’t a closing pitcher but serves as a perfectly fine 6th-8th inning role.

Sep 26, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Robert Stephenson (41) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB Arms Part 2

Chase De Jong is slated to return as the long-relief man. De Jong was a nice surprise, pitching to a 2.64 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 4.74 FIP in 71.2 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates. But there were plenty of red flags. De Jong had a 10.2% walk rate and allowed home runs at a 1.26-per-9 pace. His opponent exit velocity of 88.4 MPH was about league average, and he was greatly helped by a .222 batting average on balls in play.

But one should be skeptical of the right-hander. He had a 4.96 xFIP, 4.38 SIERA, and 111 DRA-. The issues started to present themselves at the tail-end of 2022, as he had a 4.96 ERA, 6.91 FIP, and 1.78 WHIP in September. His BAbip was much closer to the league average at .313, so where De Jong goes from here is up in the air. He’ll likely be entrusted with a low-leverage multi-inning role at the start of next season, but with multiple top prospects and his late-season struggles, the luck could be running thin for De Jong.

As things currently stand, Duane Underwood Jr. likely has a spot in the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen. Underwood got off to a good start to the 2022 season. He pitched to a 3.96 ERA and 1.36, but a fantastic 2.27 FIP, 27.3% strikeout rate, and allowed zero home runs through the all-star break. Underwood induced ground balls 50% of the time while limiting opposing hitters to an 85.6 MPH exit velocity. Along with an uptick in pitch velocity, things were trending upward for Underwood Jr.

However, the second half was not nearly as kind to the right-hander. In his last 32.1 innings, Underwood owned a 4.73 ERA and 1.52 WHIP. While his FIP was 3.42, he also had a 4.39 xFIP, which was much closer to his actual ERA. Underwood saw his strikeout rate plummet to just 18.1%, and while he didn’t give up a home run, he let opponents bat for an 89.2 MPH exit velo against him. The velocity he gained at the start of the year also slowly faded away.

Next is Robert Stephenson. The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed the hard-throwing right-hander off waivers from the Colorado Rockies late into the year. Stephenson only pitched 13.1 innings in Pittsburgh before the season’s end, but he did solid, striking out 18, only allowing one free pass and two home runs. He did surrender five total earned runs, but it still resulted in an ERA below 4.00.

Stephenson heavily struggled with Colorado, and while that can’t be ignored, Stephenson started to pitch to his strengths for the Pirates. Stephenson’s terrific slider held batters to a .170 average and .264 wOBA. Despite its effectiveness, he used it less frequently than his four-seam fastball, which opponents hit for a .459 wOBA. However, Stephenson dropped his fastball usage rate to just 28.2%, used his slider 69.4% of the time, and even threw a curveball 2.4% after moving to Pittsburgh. Last season, Stephenson used his curveball 20.9% of the time and held opponents to a .223 wOBA. You might see very few slider/curveball relievers, but Stephenson could be one.

One last major league bullpen arm to highlight is Yohan Ramirez. Ramirez was a solid second-half pick-up acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates from the Cleveland Guardians. He worked to a 3.67 ERA, 3.82 FIP, and 1.30 WHIP for the Bucs. He had a poor 18.1% strikeout rate and 11.2% walk rate but got batters to hit a ground ball nearly 60% of the time. With an 87.1 MPH exit velo, he allowed only one home run in black-and-gold.

But it’s reasonable to be weary of Ramirez. Despite the solid results, he also had a subpar 4.09 SIERA and 4.19 FIP. His biggest strength is preventing the home run, as he doesn’t strike out many, nor is he a command expert. But overall, he could be a solid middle-relief arm for the Pirates in 2023.

PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 29: Yerry De Los Santos #57 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at PNC Park on July 29, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Breakout Candidates

Yerry De Los Santos debuted this year. He broke rookie status, but barely. However, that’s just enough to make it from prospects to breakout candidates. Overall, De Los Santos didn’t look too bad. The last outing of the season bombed what were otherwise solid numbers. In his first 25.2 innings, the right-hander had a 3.51 ERA, struck out 25.7% of the batters he faced, and posted a quality 7.5% walk rate.

While De Los Santos allowed over one home run every nine innings, he did have a ground ball rate well over 50% at 52.9% and an opponent exit velocity of 88.7 MPH. There’s a good chance he can bring that down next season. De Los Santos should return in 2023 and could take over a late-inning role. After all, he was considered the prime 9th-inning option once David Bednar landed on the injured list.

Dauri Moreta was acquired in the recent Kevin Newman one-for-one swap. On the surface, Moreta had a terrible rookie season. He worked to a 5.40 ERA and 5.80 FIP. But there were some silver linings to his season. For one, he had a 24.4% strikeout rate and an 8.1% walk rate. Moreta struggled the most with home runs, allowing on average 2.35-per-nine innings. Plus, with a 90.6 MPH exit velocity, it was no massive surprise the gopher ball brought him down.

However, Moreta did have a strong second half. His last 24.1 innings saw him work to a 2.92 ERA, 3.92 FIP, and 1.09 WHIP. Moreta may have given up a ton of home runs, but he also had a 19.6% HR/FB ratio in one of baseball’s most notorious home run-friendly parks. Moreta throws hard and showed off an outstanding slider/fastball combo. There’s certainly more than meets the eye when it comes to Moreta.

BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 07: Colin Holderman #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 07, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Prospects

Of the many relief prospects, the one with the most major league experience is Colin Holderman. Acquired in the Daniel Vogelbach trade, Holderman flashed plenty of talent before landing on the injured list. He only pitched 17.2 innings, working to a 3.81 ERA, 3.33 FIP, and 1.20 WHIP between the Bucs and the Mets. Although he had a 20.3% strikeout rate and 11.9% walk rate, he also didn’t allow a single home run, holding opponents to an 87.3 MPH exit velocity.

Holderman has a nasty sinker that averages out around 95-97 MPH. He’ll also throw a slider and cutter. While Holderman’s strikeout and walk numbers weren’t impressive in the major leagues, he did have a 7.2% walk rate and 30.4% strikeout rate at Triple-A. Holderman, De Los Santos, and Bednar could form one of the sport’s most underrated 7th/8th/9th inning trios.

One prospect who could make an impact this season is Colin Selby. The Pittsburgh Pirates added Selby to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. Selby is coming off his first season pitching solely out of the bullpen. In total, he owned a 2.27 ERA, 2.92 FIP, and 1.21 WHIP in 35.2 innings between Altoona and Indy. Selby struck out batters at a 28.9% rate while posting a solid 9.2% walk rate. But what was even more impressive was his 0.5 HR/9 and 54.4% ground ball rate.

Selby throws a fastball in the upper-90s. He was hitting triple digits at the Arizona Fall League recently. He pairs that with a gyro slider and curveball. The Pirates must have a high opinion of Selby, protecting him over the likes of Malcom Nunez, Matt Gorski, and our next name. But once you see what he throws and how effective he was in 2022, you see why the Bucs decided to keep him around.

The prospect the Pirates decided to leave open to the Rule 5 draft is Tahnaj Thomas. A former top 100 prospect, Thomas had mightily struggled as a starting pitcher for High-A Greensboro. However, the Pirates moved him to a full-time bullpen role at Altoona, and while it took him a while to get fully acquainted with his new role, by the time summer rolled around, Thomas looked unbeatable. His final 36.1 innings of the season saw him work to a 1.98 ERA, 2.70 FIP, and 1.05 WHIP. Thomas had a fantastic 28.5% strikeout rate and only walked 6.9% of the batters he faced. Plus, he allowed just two home runs.

Thomas is known for his big fastball that hits triple digits. He also has a nice slider but no third offering. He’ll occasionally mix in a change-up, but it’s not a pitch he relies on. That was the major concern for Thomas as a starting pitcher in the low levels of the minor leagues. That and his command, which looks to be sured up based on his sub-8% walk rate during the summer. If the Pirates do not lose Thomas in the Rule 5 draft, look for him to debut in the major leagues sometime in 2023.

(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /

Left-Handed Prospects

The next prospect I want to go in-depth with is J.C. Flowers. Flowers is an interesting case. After transitioning from the outfield to the mound in his final year at Florida State, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the fourth round of the 2019 draft. Flowers worked in a long relief role last year, and there’s still a chance he will become a starter. Like Thomas, Flowers had a mediocre start to the season. But from June through the end of the campaign, Flowers had a 2.61 ERA, 3.33 FIP, and 1.03 WHIP. He struck out over a quarter of opponents with a 27.3% rate with a 9.1% walk rate. However, home run suppression was his strong suit, with a 0.47 HR/9.

Flowers throws in the mid-90s, mixing in a four-seam fastball and two-seam fastball. Both have distinct movement, but his slider is the real prize here. It’s arguably the best slider in the minor leagues. With wicked fall-off-the-table break, his slider could be his key to success. He’ll also throw a show-me-type change-up. It’s a work in progress, but given his athleticism and potential pitch mix, there’s still hope he can become a starting pitcher. However, Flowers is also Rule 5 eligible, and the Pirates opted to leave him exposed.

One of the left-handed relief prospects the Pirates have is Tyler Samaniego. Samaniego was a 14th-round draft pick by the Pirates in 2021. Last season, Samaniego worked to a 2.45 ERA, 3.46 FIP, and 0.80 WHIP in 47.2 innings between Greensboro and Altoona. Samaniego had a 25.5% K% and 10.9% walk rate. But he was one of the best ground ball pitchers for the Pirates’ system. He got batters to hit a grounder 56.6% of the time, leading to a .38 HR/9.

One thing worth noting is that Samaneigo’s strikeout rate went from 35.3% at Greensboro to just 19.8% at Altoona; however, his walk rate also significantly dropped from 16.2% to 7.8% between the two levels. Which version appears in 2023 is up for debate, but with so few left-handed bullpen options for next season, he might make an early season appearance.

Last but certainly not least is Nick Dombkowski. Domkowski was an undrafted free agent after the 2021 draft. In 67.1 innings, Dombkowski pitched to the tune of a 3.07 ERA, 3.26 FIP, and 1.10 WHIP. The left-hander struck out just over 30% of opponents with a 30.7% mark, along with a quality 6.8% walk rate. On top of that, he had an HR/9 below 1.0 at 0.94. For an undrafted free agent, Dombkowski performed extremely well.

While Domkowski had big strikeout numbers, he only averaged out in the 88-92 MPH range. But he does throw a decent slider and changeup. With good command and a quick arm, Dombkowski could become a key left-handed bullpen option for the Pirates long term. His role is still undecided as he pitched as a long reliever in 2022, but he could start 2023 in the major leagues, given it will be his age-24 campaign, and he pitched well at Double-A.

PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 12: Cam Alldred #63 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Cincinnati Reds during the game at PNC Park on May 12, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Depth

Cam Alldred fits the bill of a depth left-hander. He spent the year at Triple-A, aside for one inning. He tossed 66.1 innings at Indy, achieving a 4.07 ERA, 3.88 FIP, and 1.37 WHIP. Alldred only struck out 21.8% of the batters faced with an 8.8% walk rate but a solid .68 HR/9 and 47.1% ground ball rate. Alldred did have an atrocious September, and entering the final month, he owned a 2.18 ERA, 2.94 FIP, and 1.13 WHIP. Alldred is a lefty, so he provides depth in an area in which the Pirates have little depth.

Another depth lefty who made a brief major league appearance was Cam Vieaux. The lefty pitched eight major league innings, spending most of the year at Triple-A. He pitched 50 innings at Indy, working to a 3.06 ERA and 1.04 WHIP, but also had a 4.41 FIP and 1.26 HR/9 rate. He posted a relatively solid 23.7% strikeout rate and a 7.4% walk rate to go along with his overall numbers.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a myriad of other depth relief pitchers they can call upon in the event of an emergency or multiple injuries. Travis MacGregor, Joe Jacques, Hunter Stratton, Eric Hanhold, Matt Eckelman, Noe Toribio, Brad Case, Austin Roberts, Bear Bellomy, and Cam Junker are all last-resort depth players.

PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 14: Nick Mears #36 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on September 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Other Notables

Nick Mears future is certainly up in the air. A former undrafted free agent, Mears rose through the rankings and had a phenomenal 2019 campaign that put him on prospect radars. After an injury-laden 2022 season, where Mears fits into the Pirate bullpen is a bit of a mystery.

Last season, Mears only pitched 30 innings in the minor leagues, struggling heavily. He allowed 16 earned runs, and while he did have a 0.6 HR/9 and 26.4% strikeout rate, he also dished out free passes like they were going out of stock. Mears let a whopping 14.7% of opponents reach via walk.

Command has been Mears’ downfall throughout his career. In 30.1 major league innings, Mears has a 4.75 ERA, 5.71 FIP, and 1.68 WHIP. He walked nearly 15% of opponents, but what is even worse is he averages 1.78 HR/9. Even worse is he doesn’t make that up with strikeouts. His major league strikeout rate is just 22.7%.

dark. Next. Bucs Pursuing Starting Pitching Help

It’s not that Mears doesn’t have decent stuff. He has a 96-98 MPH fastball with plus spin, along with a curveball and slider with above-average movement. But the issue is he doesn’t know where it is going half the time. There’s no such thing as too much pitching depth, and the Pittsburgh Pirates can afford to keep him around in an extremely low-leverage role and continue to try and improve his command, but with multiple top prospects on the horizon, the time is running out for Mears.

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