The Pittsburgh Pirates were active this offseason in hopes of ending their playoff drought.
With the Pirates being active, the roster will be harder to make. One player Pittsburgh did sign was 35-year-old veteran pitcher Mike Clevinger to a minor-league deal. Clevinger has struggled as of late, but Pirates analyst Dawn Klemish of MLB.com named him a dark horse to make the team.
"Clevinger's early-career glory days with Cleveland are behind him, but that doesn't mean the 35-year-old might not have some magic left in the tank," Klemish wrote in an article published on Sunday. "Though injuries have limited his appearances over the past two years, his 60-44 record and 3.55 ERA across nine seasons prove he can compete in the big leagues and provide a veteran presence.
"The fact that he's started and worked relief in his career also gives the Bucs the option to use him in long relief if the situation calls. Though there are bullpen spots up for grabs, this isn't a gimme for Clevinger, who'll need a strong spring showing to best a guy like Yohan Ramirez — who is out of Minor League options — and avoid being stashed away in Triple-A."
Clevinger has spent the last three seasons with the Chicago White Sox and has appeared in just 12 games in the last two years. Yet, the veteran has starting experience, so he can be a long man out of the bullpen and give the Pirates some spot starts when needed.
Clevinger has 60 wins in his MLB career, while his best season came in 2019 when he went 13-4 with a 2.71 ERA in 21 starts with the Cleveland Guardians . Although he's not that pitcher anymore, if he can be an effective long man, he could very well earn a roster spot on Opening Day.
The Pirates will open their 2026 MLB season on March 26 against the New York Mets .
More Pirates: Why Pirates' Don Kelly Is 'So Impressed' By Konnor Griffin
The post 60-Win Veteran Pitcher Named As 'Dark Horse' Candidate To Make Pirates Roster appeared first on SportsNet Pittsburgh .
