Mason Montgomery/Photo provided by Matt Lynch
The Pirates appear to have one of the more formidable setup man/closer duos for 2027 in Mason Montgomery and Luke Weaver. Montgomery cemented himself as the team’s closer after dominating down the stretch. Weaver was acquired by the Mets at the deadline and is under contractual control for next season.
The back of the bullpen is strong. But could the Pirates add another leverage or late-inning reliever to the mix? It might not be the most pressing need, but Ben Cherington certainly learned his lesson about the importance of a strong and deep bullpen after last year’s showing.
If the Pirates opt to pursue adding a leverage reliever, it would likely be someone who wouldn’t break the bank. Guys like Adrián Morejón and David Bednar are good fits on paper but will be too expensive for Pittsburgh. Here are some more affordable alternatives who could make sense.
RHP Evan Phillips
2026 stats: 3-2, 3.46 ERA, 26 innings, 22 hits, six walks, 33 strikeouts, one save, 31 appearaces
Phillips might end up getting a contract too rich for the Pirates. But the 32-year-old has been extremely effective for the Dodgers when healthy. From 2023-24, Phillips recorded 42 saves.
RHP Bryan Abreu
2026 stats: 6-4, 3.73 ERA, 62.2 innings, 44 hits, 41 walks, 80 strikeouts, nine saves, 66 appearances
Abreu had been one of the more effective and durable relievers in the league entering the season. From 2022-25, he made 275 appearances and had a 2.30 ERA. But the 29-year-old took a step back this year, largely due to high walk totals. Abreu was still effective, though.
RHP Emilio Pagán
2026 stats: 5-1, 3.38 ERA, 42.2 innings, 33 hits, 11 walks, 45 strikeouts, 25 saves, 45 appearances
Pagán has been with the Reds the last three years and has served as closer for the last two, so the Pirates have seen a lot of him. The 35-year-old has combined for 57 saves since the start of the 2025 season.
RHP Jonathan Loáisiga
2026 stats: 7-3, 2.42 ERA, 67 innings, 56 hits, 13 walks, 48 strikeouts, two saves, 67 appearances
A career Yankee up until this season, Loáisiga thrived in his first year with the Diamondbacks. The just-turned 32-year-old spent most of his time pitching in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings and largely handled big spots in the game.
RHP Kevin Ginkel
2026 stats: 6-4, 4.12 ERA, 67.2 innings, 59 hits, 17 walks, 72 strikeouts, three saves, 74 appearances
Another Diamondback, only three relievers in the National League made more appearances than Ginkel. While the 32-year-old’s ERA is a bit high, he pairs it with a more reasonable 3.50 FIP. Of anyone on this list, he will probably be the most affordable.
Other Free Agents of Note
RHP Blake Treinen, LHP José Alvarado, RHP Paul Sewald
Mentioned in this article:Bryan Abreu Emilio Pagán Evan Phillips Jonathan Loáisiga Kevin Ginkel Pittsburgh Pirates
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