The Pirates Have Built a Solid Bullpen Foundation - But They’re Not Done Yet
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a smart move at the Winter Meetings, bringing in veteran lefty Gregory Soto to reinforce a bullpen that needed serious attention. But let’s be clear: the job’s not finished. Not even close.
Ever since the Pirates dealt two-time All-Star closer David Bednar to the Yankees at last year’s trade deadline, the ninth inning has been a bit of a question mark. Dennis Santana stepped into the closer’s role and, on the surface, he delivered - a 2.18 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, and 16 saves. But dig a little deeper, and the numbers start to paint a more complicated picture.
Santana’s Solid - But Not the Long-Term Answer at Closer
Santana’s results were strong, but his profile suggests he was walking a tightrope all season. His strikeout rate sat at just 22.2%, and he finished in the bottom third of the league in both barrel rate (16th percentile) and groundball rate (32nd percentile). That means hitters were making more solid contact than you’d like to see from your closer - and not putting the ball on the ground enough to bail him out.
He also benefited from some serious good fortune. His .211 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) was 80 points below the league average, and his home run-to-fly ball rate (5.8%) was less than half the league norm. Those are the kinds of numbers that don’t usually stick around from year to year.
Santana is a valuable bullpen piece, especially at a projected $3.4 million salary. But if the Pirates are serious about contending in 2026, they need a more established arm to lock down the ninth inning. And with the front office signaling some financial flexibility, now’s the time to strike.
Here are three relievers the Pirates should be targeting to fill that closer role - one free agent and two potential trade targets.
1. Seranthony Dominguez: The Free Agent With Proven Closer Chops
The free agent reliever market has thinned out quickly. Big names like Edwin Díaz, Devin Williams, and Kenley Jansen are off the board. But one name still available - and reportedly on Pittsburgh’s radar - is Seranthony Dominguez.
Dominguez split last season between Baltimore and Toronto, helping the Blue Jays solidify their bullpen during a World Series run. Across both stops, he threw a career-high 62 2/3 innings, struck out 79, and posted a 3.16 ERA - his best mark since 2022.
Control has always been Dominguez’s Achilles’ heel, and that issue flared up again in 2025. His walk rate ballooned to 13.8%, the worst of his career and among the lowest in the league. He also threw fewer pitches in the strike zone than ever before (44.6%).
But here’s the thing: he still got outs. A lot of them.
By staying off the heart of the plate, Dominguez maintained a nasty 33.3% whiff rate and dramatically improved his barrel rate - jumping from the second percentile all the way to the 74th. That’s a huge leap in limiting hard contact, especially for a guy with his kind of power arsenal.
He also brings experience in high-leverage spots. Dominguez has 40 career saves and a sparkling 1.86 ERA across 29 playoff appearances, including eight games in the World Series. That’s the kind of late-inning resume that holds up under pressure.
Projected to land a two-year, $18 million deal, Dominguez would be a savvy investment for a Pirates team looking to fortify the back end of the bullpen without breaking the bank.
2. Jeremiah Estrada: The Trade Target With Electric Stuff
If the Pirates decide to go the trade route, Jeremiah Estrada should be near the top of their list.
The 25-year-old right-hander has been a key part of San Diego’s bullpen since joining the Padres in 2024. Over 139 appearances - one of the highest totals among relievers in that span - he’s posted a 3.22 ERA, held opponents to a .199 batting average, and struck out 36.3% of the batters he’s faced. That strikeout rate ranks seventh among all relievers over the past two seasons.
Last year, Estrada finished with a 3.45 ERA, but his expected ERA (2.80) suggests he was even better than the results showed. He also led all relievers in strikeouts with 108, showcasing just how dominant he can be in short bursts.
What makes Estrada truly unique is his delivery. He had the highest release point in MLB last season - 66 degrees - and pairs it with top-tier extension.
That combination makes his 98-mph fastball explode at the top of the zone, and it turns his splitter into a nightmare for hitters on both sides of the plate. That splitter, by the way, was taught to him by none other than former Cy Young winner Eric Gagne - and it’s become one of the most devastating pitches in baseball.
Estrada doesn’t have much closing experience yet (just four career saves), but the raw stuff is undeniable. He even set an MLB record in 2024 by striking out 13 consecutive batters - the kind of dominance that turns heads across the league.
He’s under team control through 2030, which means he wouldn’t just be a short-term fix - he’d be a potential long-term anchor in the bullpen. And with the Padres still looking for starting pitching, the Pirates could match up well in trade talks.
3. Bryan Abreu: A Proven Arm With Postseason Pedigree
If the Pirates are looking for a slightly more affordable trade option - one who could step in immediately and bring big-game experience - Bryan Abreu is worth a long look.
Abreu has been a staple in Houston’s bullpen since 2021, and over the last three seasons, he’s been one of the most consistent setup men in the game. He’s logged at least 70 appearances and 100 strikeouts in each of those years, all while maintaining a 2.40 ERA and 1.12 WHIP.
He’s a two-pitch pitcher - fastball and slider - and he uses both equally, regardless of whether he’s facing righties or lefties. The results? Batters hit below .200 and slugged under .300 against both pitches, while whiffing at a rate north of 36%.
Abreu’s playoff track record is just as impressive. He’s pitched in 21 postseason games, allowing just six earned runs (2.49 ERA) and striking out 35. He was dominant in the Astros’ 2022 World Series win, tossing five scoreless innings across four appearances.
He’s entering his final year of arbitration and is projected to earn $5.9 million in 2026 - a very reasonable price for a reliever of his caliber. And with former Astros pitching coach Bill Murphy now in Pittsburgh, there’s already familiarity that could make for a smooth transition.
Bottom Line: The Pirates Can’t Stop Here
Adding Gregory Soto was a great first step. But if the Pirates are serious about competing in 2026, they need to lock down the ninth inning with a more established option.
Whether it’s the free-agent route with Seranthony Dominguez, a high-upside trade for Jeremiah Estrada, or a proven veteran like Bryan Abreu, the Pirates have options. And with the offense still needing reinforcements, solidifying the bullpen could be the quickest way to stack wins while the rest of the roster continues to evolve.
In a division that’s always up for grabs, a dominant closer could be the difference between hanging around and making a real push. The Pirates have built a strong foundation - now it’s time to finish the job.