The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that right-handed pitcher Mike Clevinger has signed a minor league contract and will join the team’s spring camp as a non-roster invitee. This move aims to bolster the pitching depth ahead of the 2026 season and presents an opportunity for Clevinger to regain major league form.
Clevinger’s Recent Performance and Injury History
In 2025, Clevinger largely pitched at the Triple-A level with the Chicago White Sox after initially making the major league bullpen out of spring. However, following a difficult start that saw him surrender five runs and issue eight walks in under six innings, he was removed from the big league roster. Throughout the rest of the year, he continued to pitch as a starter in Triple-A, posting a 4.20 ERA with average strikeout (21.9%) and walk (8.5%) rates, though he did not receive another call-up.
Now 34, Clevinger has logged parts of nine seasons in MLB. Early in his career, he was a strong starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. His effectiveness declined following Tommy John surgery in 2020, and subsequent years showed diminished strikeout ability despite reasonable run prevention until a neck injury in 2024 limited him to only four starts. The neck surgery has placed further strain on his efforts to return as a consistent major league contributor.
Pirates’ Pitching Staff Situation and Depth Challenges
The Pirates’ rotation entering 2026 features promising talent but also uncertainty behind frontrunners Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller. Pittsburgh recently traded depth arms Mike Burrows and Johan Oviedo to address offensive needs, leaving young pitchers Bubba Chandler and Braxton Ashcraft poised for their first full MLB campaigns. Meanwhile, Jared Jones continues recovery from UCL surgery, opening competition for the fifth starter role among Hunter Barco, Thomas Harrington, and Carmen Mlodzinski.
Given the fragile state of their pitching depth, any injuries during spring or the season would challenge the team’s reserves significantly. The Clevinger signing adds a veteran arm that could provide innings either in the majors or as experienced depth in Triple-A Indianapolis, preventing overuse of prospects.
Future Moves Anticipated to Strengthen the Rotation
The Pirates appear poised to make further acquisitions to solidify the rotation, despite budgetary constraints. They have expressed interest in Framber Valdez, though such a signing would be unexpected given Pittsburgh’s typical spending patterns. Should Valdez sign elsewhere, other mid-rotation or back-end starters remain available on the market. The addition of Clevinger on a minor league deal is unlikely to affect these potential transactions, but the team will benefit from having seasoned pitchers ready at the Triple-A level to manage inevitable injuries over the season.
