Pirates trade for Blue Jays reliever after difficult season

The Pittsburgh Pirates have added another depth piece to their bullpen, acquiring right-hander Brett de Geus from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for cash considerations.

The Blue Jays designated de Geus for assignment Jan. 10 to clear a roster spot after signing free agent pitcher Jeff Hoffman. Had he gone unclaimed, he likely would have elected minor league free agency.

A late-season waiver claim by the Blue Jays from the Miami Marlins, de Geus made two appearances and allowed four runs across 2 1/3 innings for Toronto in 2024. The 27-year-old right-hander had made brief appearances with the Marlins and the Seattle Mariners earlier in the year. He allowed 10 runs (nine earned), struck out seven and issued four walks through 11 1/3 innings of action last season.

The right-hander was originally selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 33rd round (No. 1,000 overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft. The 2024 campaign marked de Geus’ first MLB action since his rookie year in 2021 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. That season, he pitched 50 innings as a Rule 5 Draft pick but allowed more than seven earned runs per nine innings.

Pirates trade for Blue Jays reliever Brett de Geus after difficult season

Across 61 1/3 Major League innings, de Geus owns a 7.48 ERA. His MiLB numbers are marginally better, as he combined for a 5.31 ERA through 39 Triple-A frames last season. He also posted a below-average 15.6% strikeout rate against an 8.1% walk percentage.

The Pirates' 40-man roster is currently at 36, so they won't need to make any corresponding moves to add de Geus. If he survives the rest of the winter on the 40-man roster, he will likely be assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis to start the season. He has two minor-league option years remaining, so the Pirates can hold onto him as a depth piece without risking exposing him to waivers.

The career numbers de Geus has posted don't exactly bode well for his future success, nor does the fact that the Blue Jays are moving on from him after just two Major League appearances. However, he's been on six different 40-man rosters dating back to 2021, so clearly MLB clubs have seen something in him even if the results haven't been there. Maybe those results will come with the Pirates.

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