Pirates Add Pair of Left-Handed Bullpen Reinforcements in Free Agency

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in agreement with a pair of left-handed relievers, one on a big-league deal and one on a minor-league pact.

The Pirates have agreed to a one-year, $1.15 million contract with Tim Mayza, as first reported by Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. Additionally, the Pirates are re-signing Ryan Borucki to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Both deals are pending physicals.

Mayza began the 2024 season with the Toronto Blue Jays before he was designated for assignment after posting an 8.03 ERA through 35 appearances. The New York Yankees picked up the recently-turned 33-year-old and he owned a 4.00 ERA through 15 appearances in pinstripes.

Mayza, a native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was 20-7 with a 3.47 ERA through his first six seasons with the Blue Jays from 2017-23. His best season came in 2023, when he posted a sparkling 1.69 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 53.1 innings across a career-high 69 appearances.

Bourcki returns to the Pirates after totaling 52 appearances with Pittsburgh between the last two seasons. The left-hander had a terrific 2023 showing with the Pirates and finished a spotless 4-0 with a 2.45 ERA in 38 appearances/two starts. He showed impeccable command, only walking four batters across 40.1 innings.

However, the 30-year-old dealt with injuries in 2024 and pitched only 11 innings while allowing 10 runs (nine earned) in the big leagues on the season.

The pair of signings gives the Pirates three additions this winter of left-handers who could have roles in the bullpen in 2025. Earlier this month, the Pirates signed Caleb Ferguson to a one-year, $3 million deal.