3 Pirates non-roster invitees making a serious case for the Opening Day roster

2. Ryan Borucki

The Pirates originally acquired Ryan Borucki when they signed him to a minor-league contract in May 2023. However, he ended up being a massive diamond in the rough. Borucki would pitch 
40.1 innings for the Pirates in ‘23, working to a 2.45 ERA, 3.50 FIP, and 0.74 WHIP. The southpaw had a 21.7% K%, which was only 1% below league average, but he was great at limiting hard contact and home runs, with an 0.99 HR/9, 85.7 MPH exit velocity induced, and 6.3% barrel percentage. His sparkling 2.6% BB% was the lowest among any lefty pitcher with at least 40 IP.

After such a strong 2023, many expected Borucki to play a large role in the Pirates’ pen in 2024. But, much like the majority of the rest of the bullpen, Borucki’s encore with the Pirates fell flat. He only pitched 14 innings on the season, missing most of the year because of issues with his left elbow. Borucki hit free agency after the season ended but,re-signed on a minor league contract for a second time. After all, the Pirates had already gotten the best out of him once. Why couldn't they do it again?

Borucki has only pitched six innings in spring training, but has been unscored upon with six K’s. On the flip side, he has handed out five free passes. For reference, he only handed out four across all of 2023. He hasn’t lost any velocity, either, still sitting around 94 MPH with his sinker. None of his sweeper, slider, or changeup has gained or lost more than one MPH of velo, either. Totally stable.

The Pirates will have to make a decision on who to carry in the bullpen between Joey Wentz and Borucki. Wentz has also pitched well thus far into spring training, and has shown some improvements of his own. He also has no options remaining. But Borucki isn’t that far removed from a very strong showing in 2023, and has definitely done enough in spring training thus far to warrant a roster spot.