Pirates add bullpen depth by returning familiar face on a minor-league deal

The Pirates' offseason has been extremely slow, as the team has added just a few players to their major league roster. What they have done is bring in plenty of veterans to fill out their Triple-A roster in Indianapolis. Less exciting, sure, but certainly necessary.

On Monday, the Pirates made another minor-league signing by bringing back Ryder Ryan, according to Jon Heyman. He actually pitched in 15 outings in 2024 and was even a part of the Opening Day bullpen. He made the roster after spring training, but did not stay up with the team for very long. He was a guy that got sent back and forth between the majors and minors a lot in '24, and will more than likely play a similar role this season.

Pirates bring back Ryder Ryan on a minor-league contract to add depth to their bullpen.

The Pirates subtracted Aroldis Chapman, Jalen Beeks, and Ryan Borucki from their bullpen this offseason, signed Caleb Ferguson, and traded for Peter Strzelecki, Chase Shugart, and Brett de Geus. Ferguson is the most likely of the bunch to make the Opening Day roster, while the others will likely remain on the 40-man in Indianapolis.

Ryan likely will not be on the 40-man roster until an injury happens, and should get comfortable in Indianapolis for the time being. Although he was not that effective in the major leagues last year, there is reason to believe in his arm as viable depth.

Last season in Pittsburgh, Ryan posted an earned run average of 5.66 with a FIP of 4.52 across 20.2 innings, striking out 17 batters. Opponents batted .259 against him, and he walked hitters at a 9.7% clip to generate a WHIP of 1.45.

Those numbers obviously are nothing great, but his sinker actually proved to be one of the most interesting pitches in baseball. That sinker has the most horizontal movement of any in the game, averaging 18.9 inches last season. Now, Ryan has to learn to harness it; it was still hit around plenty last year.

Ryan is just another depth signing and will compete for a spot in spring training. He made an impact on the Pirates in 2024, and has the chance to do it once again in 2025 now that he is back on a minor-league deal.