The Pittsburgh Pirates have been busy this offseason, aiming to break their playoff drought. With a more competitive roster in the works, one intriguing addition is 35-year-old veteran pitcher Mike Clevinger, signed to a minor-league deal. While Clevinger has faced challenges recently, some believe he could still make a significant impact.
Clevinger's early success with Cleveland might be in the past, but don’t count him out just yet. Despite injuries limiting his appearances over the last couple of years, his career record of 60-44 and a 3.55 ERA over nine seasons show he's got the chops to compete at the big league level. Plus, his veteran presence could be invaluable for the Pirates.
One of Clevinger’s strengths is his versatility. Having both started and relieved in his career, he offers the Pirates flexibility, potentially filling a long relief role.
However, making the team won't be a walk in the park. He’ll need a strong spring performance to outshine competitors like Yohan Ramirez, who’s out of minor league options, to secure his spot and avoid starting the season in Triple-A.
Clevinger's recent stint with the Chicago White Sox saw him in just 12 games over two years, but his starting experience could be a valuable asset for the Pirates, providing spot starts when necessary. His career highlight came in 2019 with the Cleveland Guardians, boasting a 13-4 record and a 2.71 ERA in 21 starts. While he might not replicate those numbers, his potential role as an effective long man could be his ticket to the Opening Day roster.
The Pirates are set to kick off their 2026 MLB season on March 26 against the New York Mets, and Clevinger will be one to watch as spring training unfolds.