Only Four Lefties on 40-Man Roster as Pirates Look to Make Pitching Changes in 2027

Seeking more left-handed arms

The Pirates are looking to address their shortage of left-handed pitching this offseason, including at the General Managers’ Meetings in Las Vegas, according to Ken Rosenthal, Katie Woo and Will Sammon of The Athletic. The report said team officials are considering free-agent signings and trades.

Pittsburgh’s starting rotation is made up entirely of right-handers. Its four left-handed pitchers on the 40-man roster are closer Mason Montgomery, relievers Brandon Eisert and Evan Sisk, and starter and long reliever Hunter Barco.

A season with few lefties

The Pirates recorded 214.2 innings from left-handed pitchers this season, according to FanGraphs. Only the Miami Marlins, at 164.2, and Seattle Mariners, at 163.1, had fewer. Pittsburgh did not use a left-handed starter this season, unlike recent years when it added veteran southpaws. Those pitchers included Andrew Heaney in 2025, Martín Pérez in 2024, Rich Hill in 2023, José Quintana in 2022 and Tyler Anderson in 2021.

The team also allowed a 4.56 ERA and .409 slugging percentage against left-handed hitters, both the 10th-highest figures in baseball. Its .329 on-base percentage against them ranked 11th-highest.

Rotation depth and free agents

The Pirates may prioritize rotation depth despite having a strong group of starters. Injury histories involving Braxton Ashcraft and Jones, along with Mitch Keller missing the final two months of the season, highlighted the need for added help.

Bullpen options and costs

Free agents would add costs to a projected 2027 payroll of $100 million before any signings. The article says trades may be the more likely route, though it does not identify specific trade targets.

The Pirates had less than three weeks before a lockout scheduled to begin at midnight on Dec. 2, which would halt MLB transactions.