Pirates ink former Rays P Josh Fleming

Spring Training is here! Pitchers and catchers have reported to Bradenton, Florida for the Pirates spring camp. On report day, Ben Cherington sent another invitation to a free-agent pitcher.

Left-handed pitcher Josh Fleming has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This deal is for one year but is a split contract where he has a spot on the 40-man roster, but also can be optioned to the minor leagues. If Fleming makes the big-league roster, he will make $850,000.

Fleming is an interesting signing for the Pirates as they have recently been linked to Edward Cabrera of the Marlins. This signing will not impact the Pirates in their quest to acquire Cabrera. Fleming was signed to be a part of the bullpen. The Pittsburgh bullpen is excellent already, but it lacks long relief options and Fleming will fill that need. 

Fleming has pitched in four seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. In those four seasons, he has been used as a starter and reliever in different roles. In his most recent season, 2023, Fleming posted a 4.70 earned run average in 51.2 innings pitched with 25 strikeouts. Another pitch to contact pitcher which Pirates pitching coach, Oscar Marin, does very well with. 

Overall, this signing is not very big, but it can still benefit the Pirates a lot. If he doesn’t join the big-league roster, then he will be a depth piece in AAA, Indianapolis. This could work well for the Pirates if Marin can help him figure out his pitches. He allows a lot of baserunners but has had success in the past.

Welcome to Pittsburgh, Josh!