Determining what Ben Cherington should do with every Pirates free agent

Ryan Borucki, Left-Handed Reliever

The 2024 season placed a major red flag next to Ryan Borucki's name. The diamond in the rough acquisition in 2023 dealt with a nagging elbow injury that prevented him from pitching in Pittsburgh from April to September. His rehab appearances were consistently delayed as his symptoms continued to prevent him throwing like he normally would.

Borucki's health remains a major concern, but if he's able to properly rehabilitate in the offseason, the Pirates should look for a reunion at a reasonable cost.

When he was healthy this past year, Borucki was not as dominant as he was in 2023. This season, Borucki posted an earned run average of 7.36 with a WHIP of 1.64 in 11 innings pitched. Opponents batted .304 against him and he struck out 13 batters. Clearly, he wasn't "right" at any point.

His impressive whiff rate of 34.5% and chase rate of 33.7% were some of the only positives to come from 2024. In 2023, his walk percentage was at just 2.6%, which is where he needs it to be, but he struggled with a 7.6% rate this year.

The Pirates should consider re-signing him if he is healthy, as he is a cheap left-handed reliever that is effective when he is not dealing with injuries. Getting that reliable lefty that can post a 2.45 earned run average in 38 appearances with a 0.74 WHIP is just what the Pirates missed this season, and should be trying to add in 2025.

Jalen Beeks, Left-Handed Reliever

One of the Pirates' major-league acquisitions at the trade deadline was left-handed reliever Jalen Beeks. The southpaw was used heavily in 2024 between the Rockies and Pirates, as he appeared in 71 games and pitched 70 innings. That is a big load as a reliever, and his effectiveness waned as the season dragged on.

With the Pirates, Beeks had a 3.92 earned run average with a 1.79 WHIP and an opposing batting average of .318. He struck out just 17 batters and had a 3.12 FIP.

On the year, his expected earned run average was at 3.75, which is solid, but he allowed too many baserunners all year. His walk percentage of 8.7% and opponents' batting average of .273 is just not efficient enough.

The Pirates should stay away from Beeks in free agency due to his inconsistency at limiting baserunners. He is a cheap option, but there are better options out there.