Pirates Trade for Bullpen Depth; Acquire Brett de Geus from Blue Jays

The Pittsburgh Pirates have swung a trade for bullpen depth, acquiring right-handed reliever Brett de Geus from the Toronto Blue Jays for cash considerations. de Geus had been designated for assignment by Toronto on Friday.

de Geus, 27, totaled 13 appearances between the Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners and Miami Marlins in 2024. He finished the year with an 0-2 record and a 7.15 ERA. In 11.1 innings, he allowed 14 hits, walked four and struck out seven.

It was de Geus’ first time pitching in the big leagues since 2021, when he split the season between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks. That year, the right-hander made 47 appearances and finished with a 7.56 ERA.

In five minor-league seasons, de Geus, who was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 33rd round in 2017, is 14-15 with a 4.86 ERA in 139 appearances/16 starts. In Triple-A during the 2024 season, de Geus went 0-4 with a 5.31 ERA.

de Geus primarily relies on three pitches — a sinker, curveball and cutter. He also throws a splitter and an occasional four-seamer. Though he doesn’t rely on strikeouts, de Geus had a 54.6% groundball rate in 2024.

He’s one of several relief pitchers the Pirates have added so far this offseason. In November, the Pirates acquired right-hander Peter Strzelecki from the Cleveland Guardians. Last week, the Pirates signed left-handed pitcher Caleb Ferguson to a one-year contract.

Looking at the Pirates’ current projected roster, there should be competition for at least one spot in the bullpen on the Opening Day roster. de Geus figures to be in that mix, but the Pirates have the ability to option him to the minor leagues if needed.