Pirates Exploring Free Agent Relievers; Some Potential Options
The Pirates need to add offense this offseason but their needs go beyond the lineup.
After trading two-time All-Star closer David Bednar to the Yankees, the Pirates have a void in the back of their bullpen. Designating Colin Holderman and Dauri Moreta for assignment on Tuesday night makes the need for a relief pitcher or two even more pressing.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Pirates are one of a handful of teams seeking bullpen help on the free agent market early on in the offseason.
While Dennis Santana showed he can be an effective closer, the Pirates would be wise to add another high-leverage reliever capable of closing games.
Here are a few free agents that could make sense.
RHP Ryan Helsley
Helsley established himself as one of the most electrifying closers in baseball while with the Cardinals but imploded after he was dealt to the Mets this past trade deadline. The 31-year-old posted a 3.00 ERA and recorded 21 saves with St. Louis but had a 7.20 ERA in 22 appearances in New York after the trade.
This time five months ago, Helsley would be one of the highest-paid free agent closers this free agency cycle, but his struggles over the final two months of the season made him much more affordable. The 31-year-old still likely too pricey for Pittsburgh, but there’s at least a chance now, especially if the Pirates are truly being aggressive.
RHP Raisel Iglesias
Iglesias has been doing it for a long time and continues to get it done at a high level. This past season with the Braves, the 35-year-old had a 3.21 ERA, 29 saves and finished tops in the National League with 57 games finished.
As with Helsley, his final price tag could prove too rich for the Pirates, but he’s someone worth considering given his talent and the veteran presence he would offer.
RHP Kyle Finnegan
Ah, now here’s someone who feels like more of a fit than the first two names mentioned. Finnegan was an All-Star in 2024 and split the season between the Nationals and Tigers. Combined between the two teams, the 34-year-old amassed 24 saves and had a 3.47 ERA.
RHP Pete Fairbanks
Fairbanks is one of the more intriguing names on this list and one that should be in the Pirates’ price range. It was somewhat surprising to see the Rays decline his option but Pittsburgh should be in the mix now that he’s a free agent.
The 31-year-old totaled 61 appearances out of the Rays’ bullpen and had a 2.83 ERA to go along with 27 saves. Opponents hit just .201 against him.
RHP Emilio Pagan
The Pirates saw plenty of Pagan over the last two seasons as a member of the Reds. After pitching in a traditional relief role in 2024, the 34-year-old became the team’s closer this past season.
It was a successful year for Pagan, who finished second in the National League with 32 saves, had a 2.88 ERA, recorded 81 strikeouts in 68.2 innings, and limited opponents to a .168 batting average.
RHP Kenley Jansen
He may be 38 years old but Jansen’s still got it. Ideally he’d probably like to play for a sure contender at this stage of his career, but he’s also likely looking to go somewhere he can add to his 476 career saves, which lead all active players and are two away from tying Hall of Famer Lee Smith for third place all-time.
Jansen spent the 2025 season with the Angels and had 29 saves and a 2.58 ERA. Outside of his rookie year and the 60-game 2020 season, he’s pitched in at least 50 games every year of his 16-year career.
Other Possibilities: RHP Luke Weaver, RHP Seranthony Dominguez, RHP Tyler Rogers, LHP Gregory Soto, RHP Phil Maton, RHP Pierce Johnson
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