The Bucs signed four but have to exchange figures with two more.
This past Thursday was the MLB arbitration agreement deadline, and the Pittsburgh Pirates were able to avoid arbitration with four players, according to MLB.com.
Catcher Joey Bart signed for $1.75 million, while pitchers David Bednar, Colin Holderman, and Bailey Falter signed for $5.9 million, $1.5 million and $2.2 million respectively. Pitchers Dennis Santana and Johan Oviedo did not come to terms, so the team will exchange arbitration figures with them.
Bednar is hoping to rebound from a difficult season, as the hometown pitcher went just 3-8 with a 5.77 ERA, 23 saves and 7 blown saves. Bart pretty much saved the catcher position for the Buccos after coming over from the Giants, swatting 13 homers after Endy Rodriguez got injured and Henry Davis stunk up the joint.
Holderman got off to a strong start to the year before tailing off as the season wore on, while Bailey Falter finished 8-9 on the season with a 4.43 ERA to add to a Pirates top-notch starting rotation.
Even with Bednar and Holderman back, however, the Bucs will likely still be looking for some relief pitching. Falter should once again be part of the rotation in 2025, and Bart will hopefully provide similar pop behind the plate. Though the team hasn’t given up on Davis, and he’ll get his opportunities in 2025 as well.
Tell us in the comments what you think about the signings!