Even though they recently added Andrew Heaney, the Pirates are following through with plans to stretch Ferguson out as a starter. His velocity today was down about two mph from where he was as a reliever last season, and that’s probably two mph he can’t afford to lose and still be helpful. The pen is where he belongs.

The deal was reported to be worth $3 million. Ferguson hasn’t done much starting of games since he was in the minors in 2018, but the Pirates are talking about stretching him out and having him compete for a rotation spot. We’d say it’s more likely that he’ll be in the pen on Opening Day. He has a 3.44 ERA in 249 career relief appearances.

Ferguson pitched in 62 games in 2024 split between the Astros and the Yankees. The 28-year-old posted a 4.64 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in 54 1/3 innings; however, he was much better in Houston, posting a 3.86 ERA and 26/9 K/BB ratio in 21 innings. He likely sets up as the main late-inning left-handed pitcher in the Pirates’ bullpen at the present moment.

New York is also getting some international bonus pool money in the deal, which is now official. Ferguson provides the Astros with another left-hander in their bullpen, something they’ve struggled with in previous years prior to landing All-Star southpaw Josh Hader last offseason.