The Pittsburgh Pirates have bolstered their bullpen by signing left-handed relief pitcher Caleb Ferguson to a one-year contract, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Noah Hiles. Ferguson, set to turn 29 in July, is entering his sixth MLB season, this time with the Pirates after stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros.
Drafted by the Dodgers in 2014, Ferguson made waves during the 2020 season with a stellar 2.89 ERA and 27 strikeouts over 21 appearances, contributing to the Dodgers' World Series championship. However, an elbow injury led to Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2021 season.
Upon returning, Ferguson enjoyed a career-best season with a 1.82 ERA. Following a trade from the Dodgers to the Yankees and subsequently to the Astros, he posted a 3.86 ERA for Houston while also participating briefly in postseason play during the American League Wild Card Series.
Ferguson's addition is a significant upgrade for a Pirates bullpen that struggled against left-handed hitters last season, finishing with the highest walk rate and worst batting average against them in the National League. Known for his versatility, Ferguson brings a four-pitch repertoire, and he joins Joey Wentz as the second left-handed reliever in Pittsburgh's bullpen.
