Pirates Should Bring Back Veteran, but Contenders Will Want Him

Bullpen help is a big priority for the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason, and there is an argument that, aside from bringing back Brandon Lowe, that's the biggest part of what needs to happen this winter. 

There's also an argument that if the Pirates had been better in the bullpen last year, they would have been in a position to make the postseason. Unfortunately for the Pirates, that simply wasn't the case, and there's nothing they can do about it now. 

All the Pirates can do is try to improve in the bullpen during this offseason, and there's reason to believe they're going to do just that after attempting to at this past year's deadline.

Among the players who could be in the bullpen next year, the Pirates have to figure some things out with a few of their current players. One of those guys is Gregory Soto, who will hit the free-agent market this winter. He's an interesting player to get a decently sized deal because of what he's been able to do, but for the most part, he should be relatively cheap in comparison to some of the other elite bullpen options that we've seen in years past. 

The Athletic recently suggested that he's an obvious fit to return to Pittsburgh, predicting just a two-year, $22 million contract.

“Soto had a 3.63 ERA in 67 innings for the Pirates, striking out 79 and saving 16 games. The key for him is his wipeout slider that opponents hit just .119 against. Throughout his career, his command and control have been inconsistent. He seems to have found a home in Pittsburgh and a return to the Pirates would seemingly be a good outcome for both parties. Salary comps: Ryan Helsley (2 years, $28 million — player option for the second year); Luke Weaver (2 years, $22 million); A.J. Minter (2 years, $22 million)

“Best team fit: Pittsburgh Pirates… Contract prediction: 2 years, $22 million,” Jim Bowden of The Athletic wrote.

Paying a player of Soto's caliber just $11 million per year seems fair. He's coming off a season in which he posted a 3.63 ERA and struck out 79 in 67.0 innings. He wasn't elite by any means, but the Pirates won't find many better options at this price. 

I'm somewhat curious to see if he's going to be looking for a bigger-sized deal or to play for a more guaranteed contender. Soto has been around quite a bit, playing for the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and the New York Mets outside of Pittsburgh.

Soto is what he is at this stage of his career. Is he perfect? No, but for this price, he's not someone Pittsburgh should consider losing.