Soto\u2019s Early Performance Turning Heads<\/p>\n
The Pirates made a big push for the 31-year-old veteran at the MLB Winter Meetings, resulting in the organization signing Soto<\/a> to a one-year deal that pays a fully guaranteed $7.75 million. The Dominican Republic-born<\/a> pitcher has served many roles in a bullpen over his MLB career, spanning from a 30-save season with the Detroit Tigers in 2022 to becoming a premier setup and hold man over the past two seasons with the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets. <\/p>\n Through his first few outings with the Buccos, he\u2019s been a lights-out, late inning reliever. He rises up in the big moments and brings his best stuff. In four appearances and 4.1 innings pitched so far, he\u2019s been an absolute menace for opposing batters. He\u2019s faced 17 total batters so far and he’s struck out eight of them. He’s allowed just two hits and two walks for zero runs. <\/p>\n Mar 28, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Gregory Soto (31) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Why Soto Matters So Much<\/p>\n Last year, the Pirates were one of the better performing bullpens in the National League and the MLB, but there is always room for improvement. The team\u2019s bullpen finished with a 3.83 ERA, which ranked fifth in the NL and 13th in the MLB. <\/p>\n The one notable area they struggled in 2025 was giving up leads late in the game. The team blew 26 total saves last season, compared to their 36 saves, they were successful just over half of the time at securing the victory. <\/p>\n Soto brings certainty and trust in late-inning situations. He can close games if needed or preserve a tight lead in the 7th or 8th inning before Dennis Santana comes on. That\u2019s something they haven\u2019t had in several years, and it\u2019s why Gregory Soto is a perfect addition to their bullpen. <\/p>\n![\"Pittsburgh](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01kn76gg3s9javaezqj8.jpg\" "\\"Pittsburgh")
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