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While the Pirates have been making more splashes with big names this offseason, the team’s approach of snatching up veterans on minor-league contracts hasn’t completely vanished.
In past years, this method of adding bullpen depth has found some success (Ryan Borucki) and plenty of frustration (Ryder Ryan, Brent Honeywell). The Bucs are hoping that the latest signing, right-hander Chris Devenski, has enough gas in the tank to man a bullpen role in 2026.
Devenski began his career as a breakout star for the Astros. Over his first two seasons in the big leagues, the reliever appeared in 110 games, pitched 189 innings, and registered a 2.38 ERA. In 2017, his sophomore campaign earned him an All-Star nod on the way to Houston winning the World Series. Since then, Devenski has struggled to replicate this level of success.
Pirates add bullpen depth by signing Chris Devenski to a minor league deal.
— 𝐍𝐒𝟗 (@NorthShoreNine) January 8, 2026
Devenski was a major force in the Astros bullpen at one point posting a 2.38 ERA in 189 innings over a two year span. That's right, he pitched almost 200 innings out of the pen. However, his career has… pic.twitter.com/IVgGrtQCH3
Journeyman reliever Chris Devenski is looking for one last hurrah with the Pirates.
From 2018-24, Devenski played for five different clubs and averaged just 30 1/3 big-league innings per year. Elbow injuries started to pile up in 2020, and Tommy John surgery in 2021 marked the beginning of a long trend of minor-league contracts and occasional MLB outings. Last season, though, Devenski showed some promise.
In 2025, between the Mets and their Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse, Devenski performed well. He logged 54 1/3 innings between the two levels and held a 2.16 ERA in the Majors. This success may have been due to a new pix mitch that emphasized his sweeper and cutter over his four-seam fastball, which has lost significant velo in the past few years. His changeup has long been his go-to pitch, and it earned a +2 run value in 2025 and a whiff rate of 25%.
Devenski will need to fight for a Major League bullpen role in the Pirates’ spring training next month. The 35-year-old will be up against Pittsburgh’s fleet of young arms that need to start seeing big-league situations. Presumptive closer Dennis Santana and offseason acquisitions Gregory Soto and Mason Montgomery are locks for relief roles. There may only be a slot or two open to auditioners. Devenski will need to put on a show to break through the crowd this spring.