PITTSBURGH — In a significant move, the Pittsburgh Pirates have secured left-handed pitcher Caleb Ferguson on a one-year deal valued at $3 million, as confirmed on Friday.
Ferguson, aged 28, has previously played for major league teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros, compiling a record of 19 wins and 13 losses, alongside five saves and an earned run average (ERA) of 3.68 across 263 appearances. Last season, he split his time between the Yankees and the Astros, finishing with a record of 1-4 and a 4.64 ERA.
Looking ahead, the Pirates intend to use spring training to evaluate Ferguson’s potential as a starting pitcher. While he has primarily served in a relief role for most of his career, Ferguson has a history of making starts, having 14 to his name, with many of those being as an opener. Notably, during his rookie year with the Dodgers in 2018, he made some emergency starts, including a five-inning performance against the San Francisco Giants in just his second major league game.
Now, the Pirates are eyeing Ferguson to fill an essential role in their pitching rotation, which is predominantly filled with right-handed pitchers. The rotation is led by notable talents including Paul Skenes, the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year, along with Mitch Keller and Jared Jones. The addition of Ferguson could provide the Pirates with the left-handed presence they require to balance their starting lineup.
