The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a minor league contract with experienced right-hander Mike Clevinger, inviting him to spring training as a non-roster participant. This move comes as the team looks to strengthen its pitching depth ahead of the new season. At 34 years old, Clevinger spent most of the 2025 campaign playing Triple-A ball with the Chicago White Sox, recording a 4.20 ERA with strikeout and walk rates near the league average.
Clevinger’s Recent Performance and Injury History
During the previous year, Clevinger showed flashes of effectiveness in the minors but struggled in his limited bullpen appearances at the major league level. Despite returning to a starting role in Triple-A, he has not yet earned another chance in the majors. His career has been disrupted by significant injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2020 and a recent operation on his neck, which have restricted his availability and performance over the last two seasons.
Pirates’ Rotation Landscape and Emerging Talent
Pittsburgh is currently evaluating its rotation following trades involving pitchers Mike Burrows and Johan Oviedo. Several promising prospects, such as Hunter Barco, Thomas Harrington, and Carmen Mlodzinski, remain candidates for a starting position. However, given the likelihood of injuries testing the staff’s durability, the Pirates are prioritizing veteran depth at the Triple-A level to ensure adequate backup options.
Team’s Strategy to Reinforce Starting Pitching
The acquisition of Mike Clevinger is considered a low-risk maneuver that offers potential upside without significantly impacting the team’s payroll. Meanwhile, the Pirates continue to explore more substantial measures to bolster their rotation, reportedly showing interest in players like Framber Valdez. How these moves unfold will be critical for Pittsburgh’s pitching stability in the upcoming season.
Outlook for the Pirates’ Pitching Staff
With concerns about injuries and the performance of younger arms, the depth added by Clevinger’s signing will be important as the Pirates prepare to face the challenges of the MLB season. The health and effectiveness of their starting pitchers will heavily influence the team’s competitive prospects moving forward.
“The signing of Mike Clevinger brings valuable experience to our organization, providing depth as we continue to evaluate all options for the rotation.” ?Pirates Manager
