Pittsburgh Pirates 2023 breakout reliever is nearing his return to the big leagues

The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the verge of getting a huge boost in the bullpen. Right-hander Dauri Moreta has been rehabbing in the minor leagues for about the last month and is nearing a return after a his extended absence.

Moreta had a huge breakout season in 2023 but, unfortunately, underwent UCL surgery in late March of 2024. He should hopefully provide the Pirates an arm they can utilize in late-inning, higher-leverage moments out of the bullpen.

The last time we saw Moreta was in 2023 when he capped off a season with a 3.72 ERA, 2.93 FIP, and 1.09 WHIP in 58 innings. Although his 10% walk rate was below average, he struck out 31.8% of opponents, which was the 19th highest K% among all qualified relievers. Moreta also allowed four home runs for an HR/9 of 0.62 and ranked in the 89th percentile of exit velocity (sitting at 86.7 MPH). However, he was only in the 46th percentile of barrel rate at 8.1%.

Exit velocity wasn’t the only metric Moreta was elite in. The right-hander ranked in the 92nd percentile of whiff rate, coming in at 33.6%. His xERA (3.02) and xBA (.188) were both above the 90th percentile. Moreta ranked highly in Stuff+ as well, coming in at 105, which was nearly 10% better than his 2022 mark with the Cincinnati Reds (96). 

So far, Moreta has tossed nine innings between Bradenton and Indianapolis since starting his rehab, only allowing two earned runs, with 19 Ks and a 38.4% whiff rate. But he’s also allowed seven walks. Moreta’s fastball is sitting at 94.3 MPH, which is slightly down from his 2023 mark of 95.2 MPH, but he's maintained the movement. His slider, which was his primary pitch in 2023, is also down in terms of velocity, but has kept up an almost identical movement profile from 2023.

As of now, the Pirates are primarily utilizing Dennis Santana and David Bednar in the eighth and ninth innings. After these two, the Pirates also have Tanner Rainey and Chase Shugart. Moreta would likely be one of the Pirates’ best options for the seventh inning. Rainey would likely get the boot upon Moreta’s return, given he’s struggled, while Shugart has been a solid middle relief arm for the Pirates thus far.

After such a promising season, Moreta was projected to play an important role in the Pirates’ bullpen in 2024, but it's been pushed to 2025. Pirates fans should be particularly excited with what he'll be able to bring to the roster.