Veteran arms like Dominguez and Robertson could solidify Pittsburgh's bullpen, adding crucial depth for a playoff push.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have bolstered their bullpen by adding two hard-throwing left-handers this offseason. They could also use some relief help from the right side.
After signing Gregory Soto as a free agent and acquiring Mason Montgomery from the Tampa Bay Rays in a trade, the Pirates appear set with lefty relievers. They also have Evan Sisk, who was acquired from the Kansas City Royals at last year’s trade deadline.
Dennis Santana seems set as Pittsburgh’s closer, and fellow right-handers Isaac Mattson and Justin Lawrence are also likely to have spots on the opening-day roster. However, more relief pitching help would be optimal as the Pirates say they plan to contend this year after finishing in last place in the National League Central last season.
Though the reliever market has been pretty much picked over in free agency, there are still some pitchers left who could bolster Pittsburgh’s staff.
The best of the bunch is probably Seranthony Dominguez, who pitched in 67 games for the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays last season. He had a 4-4 record, two saves, and a 3.16 ERA. The 31-year-old allowed four runs in 11 1/3 innings in 12 games in the postseason for the Blue Jays, who lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series.
David Robertson is 40 but still effective. He was 2-0 with two saves and a 4.20 ERA in 20 games with the Philadelphia Phillies last year after waiting until July 21 to sign as a free agent.
Ryan Pressly had a down year with the Chicago Cubs in 2025, going 2-3 with five saves and a 4.35 ERA in 44 games. However, the 37-year-old did not have an ERA higher than 3.58 in any of his previous seven seasons.
Jakob Junis is coming off a fine season with the Cleveland Guardians in which he had a 4-1 record and 2.97 ERA in 57 games. Junis, 33, can pitch multiple innings, a trait the Pirates value.
The well-traveled Luis Garcia, 38, has pitched for eight teams during his 13-year career. Yet he performed well last season for three teams, going 2-2 with two saves and a 3.42 ERA in 58 games with the Dodgers, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Angels.
Scott Barlow, 33, showed his durability last year by appearing in 75 games for the Cincinnati Reds. He had a 6-3 record and one save with a 4.21 ERA.