Pirates Bolster Bullpen by Signing Lefty Tim Mayza

Pirates Bolster Bullpen by Signing Tim Mayza

It’s become a recurring theme. Once again, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington has signed a familiar face he would have known from his time as Toronto Blue Jays vice president of baseball operations from 2016-18. Mayza pitched for Toronto from 2017 until he was released and signed by the New York Yankees last July. Last year was an off-year for the 33-year-old, to say the least. He was 0-2 with a 6.33 ERA and 1.617 WHIP, although his 4.50 FIP indicates he may have been the victim of bad luck or poor support afield. Opponents hit .309/.359/.486 against him.

However, Mayza is only one year removed from his best season, when he had a 1.52 ERA and 1.219 WHIP for the Jays. His numbers from 2021-23 indicate a reliable relief arm. Over that period, he had a 2.67 ERA and 1.103 WHIP.

Mayza primarily relies on a sinker that he throws 71.8 percent of the time and averages 92.5 mph. Otherwise, he uses a slider that averages 87.1 mph. With just four career saves, he’s been used mainly as a left-handed specialist. Last year, left-handed batters hit .244/.298/.314 against him. However, for his career, left-handed swingers have hit .215/.266/.307. From the right-handed box, opponents have hit .281/.349/.471 during his career and an ugly .371/.416/.652 in 2024.

Three’s Company

The Pirates entered this offseason needing bullpen help, especially from the left side. The only returning left-handed reliever is late-season pickup Joey Wentz. Aroldis Chapman signed with the Boston Red Sox. The Pirates appear to have no interest in bringing back trade deadline acquisition Jalen Beeks or Ryan Borucki, who spent a frustrating year battling injuries. Mayza now joins Wentz and another free agent signee, Caleb Ferguson, to give the Pirates three left-handers in the pen.

It’s a signing that’s unlikely to appease an increasingly impatient, ornery fan base dismayed over the offseason’s inactivity on the Pirates’ end. Yet, Mayza is a reasonable chance for the Pirates to take, given the cost, especially if used correctly.