Pirates Sign RHP Domingo Germán to Minor League Deal

The Pirates fortified their pitching staff on Friday, signing right-hander Domingo Germán to a one-year minor league contract as reported by Mike Rodriguez and Jon Heyman.

It’s the latest in a slew of roster moves for the Pirates, who also signed center fielder Michael A. Taylor to a one-year deal this afternoon. Pittsburgh could use some pitching help, as their 4.76 ERA in spring training ranks as the 19th best in Major League Baseball, although that number is propped up by a number of minor league arms who are unlikely to break camp with the team. 

Germán’s contract provides a cheap—if controversial—way of addressing that need. The deal, worth $1.5 million with a mutual option for 2025, comes at little financial risk for the Pirates as they take on a pitcher with quite a bit of baggage. 

The New York Yankees, Germán’s former club, placed him on the restricted list in August after he reportedly smashed a TV and overturned furniture while seemingly under the influence of alcohol. He also received an 81-game suspension in 2020 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy following an altercation where he slapped his girlfriend.

On the field, Germán’s career ERA sits at 4.41 with 543 strikeouts in 522.1 innings. He recorded the 24th perfect game in Major League history last June, holding the Oakland A’s without a baserunner in the historic 11-0 victory.

Given that it’s a minor league contract, Germán will have to prove himself in order to earn a big league roster spot—although the deal does come with a spring training invitation. With less than two weeks before the Pirates’ Opening Day matchup with the Marlins, it also gives him more time to prepare for the rigors of a full professional season.