The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Gregory Soto on a one-year contract valued at $7.75 million, according to multiple sources. Soto, a two-time All-Star, adds veteran experience and depth to the Pirates’ bullpen for the upcoming season.
Soto, who has developed a reputation for his high-velocity fastball and ability to close games, has spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the Detroit Tigers and most recently, the Philadelphia Phillies. Over the past few seasons, he has emerged as a reliable late-inning option, known for his strikeout potential and effectiveness against both left- and right-handed hitters.
The addition of Soto strengthens a Pittsburgh relief corps that continues to evolve under the leadership of manager Derek Shelton. He is expected to handle high-leverage situations and could be considered for late-inning roles depending on team needs and performance during spring training and the regular season.
Soto’s best season came in 2021 when he earned All-Star honors while posting a 3.39 ERA over 62 appearances for Detroit. He followed that with another All-Star selection in 2022. In 2023, pitching for the Phillies, Soto appeared in 69 games and recorded a 4.62 ERA with 61 strikeouts over 60.1 innings.
With this deal, Pittsburgh secures an experienced arm for the 2025 campaign without a long-term financial commitment. Soto’s new contract places him among the more experienced relievers on the roster and provides the Pirates with flexibility as they continue to build toward competitiveness in the National League Central division.
The move also signals the club’s ongoing efforts to reinforce their pitching staff during the offseason. Details about potential bullpen roles or further acquisitions have not been publicly disclosed.
Formal team confirmation of the agreement and further roster decisions are expected closer to Spring Training.
