Fri Feb 21 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Pirates Sign Left-Handed Pitcher Andrew Heaney to One-Year Deal
**Pittsburgh, PA – February 20, 2025** – The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney to a one-year contract worth $5 million, with potential for additional incentives, according to multiple reports. The deal, which offers a guaranteed amount of $5.25 million according to some sources, adds a veteran presence to the Pirates’ pitching rotation.
Heaney, 33, spent the last two seasons with the Texas Rangers, consistently performing as a reliable fourth or fifth starter. Over the past two years, he’s pitched 307 1/3 innings, posting a 4.22 ERA while demonstrating a strong strikeout rate (around 23-24%) and significantly improving his control, lowering his walk rate to a career-low 5.9% in 2024.
The signing is considered a relatively low-cost addition for the Pirates, a team looking to bolster its pitching depth. Heaney’s experience and performance profile make him a valuable asset, potentially providing 150 innings of mid-4 ERA pitching. Some analysts suggest the move is a strategic one, potentially positioning Heaney for a trade to a contender at the mid-season deadline, similar to previous veteran additions made by the Pirates.
While some fans have expressed concerns about the Pirates’ continued focus on pitching and questioned the lack of significant spending on offense, others see the signing as a shrewd move to strengthen the rotation and add competition, possibly paving the way for prospects to develop. The acquisition could also help ease the pressure on injured pitchers, allowing for a more gradual return to the field. The relatively low cost of the contract, compared to other recent signings, is seen as a positive aspect of the deal.
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