3 free agent relievers the Pirates should pursue in the 2024-25 offseason

One of the biggest underperforming units in baseball during the 2024 season was the Pittsburgh Pirates' entire bullpen. The high leverage relievers did not perform up to expectations, which was one of the biggest reasons to the teams downfall.

Three relievers from that group are set to become free agents this offseason, which leaves the Pirates bullpen thin. As the front office looks to strengthen the bullpen for next season, let's examine three realistic relievers the Pirates should look into signing this offseason.

Three free agent relievers the Pirates should consider signing

Jose Leclerc

Jose Leclerc, a right-hander who most recently pitched for the Texas Rangers, has had an excellent career so far before taking a step back in 2024.

In 2024, Leclerc posted an ERA of 4.32 in 66.2 innings pitched, and opponents batted .222 against him. His WHIP was at 1.32 and his FIP was solid at 3.48. Statcast metrics indicate that he has gotten unlucky, though, as his expected ERA sat at 3.57.

He also struck out 89 batters, which was led by his impressive whiff rate of 36%. That ranks in the 96th percentile, along with his strikeout percentage that is in the 92nd percentile.

In need of a reliable, high leverage reliever, the Pirates could benefit with a signing of Leclerc.

Scott Alexander

With the Pirates losing three southpaws in free agency, going after a left-hander like Scott Alexander makes a lot of sense. He put together a very solid 2024 season with the Oakland Athletics and is a free agent that should be considered as an option for a reliever role in Pittsburgh.

Last year, Alexander posted a 2.56 ERA in 38.2 innings pitched and had a WHIP of 1.19. Opponents batted just .217 against him, and his FIP was at 3.89. None of his run values qualified, but they were very solid amongst other relievers across the league. His pitching run value ranked at 10, his fastball at six, and his breaking ball at three.

Similarly to Leclerc, Alexander has also had a very solid career, and that consistency could benefit the Pirates in 2025.

Joe Ross

The last reliever that could fit the Pirates bullpen mold in 2025 is Joe Ross, a player that made his return to the major leagues in 2024 after not making an appearance since 2021.

In his return to the big leagues, Ross had a WHIP of 1.36 and an earned run average of 3.77 in 74 innings pitched. He struck out 66 batters, while opponents had a batting average of .247 and a FIP of 3.83.

These numbers would work well in the Pirates bullpen in a middle relief to low leverage role. Ross would also be a cheap option to add, which the front office would ideally like to find.

Overall, the Pirates need to sign relievers when the MLB offseason officially begins. These three veterans are all options that could improve the bullpen for the 2025 season and not break the bank at the same time, making them realistic targets.

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