Pirates expected to lose hard-throwing reliever in free agency

The Pittsburgh Pirates were able to at least briefly sniff contention this season before they went on a slide in August and fell out of the race. At 65-74, the Pirates are in dead last in the National League Central.

Their bullpen has been an interesting story this season. One of their biggest moves in the offseason was the signing of veteran left-hander Aroldis Chapman, who had just helped the Texas Rangers win their first World Series title last fall.

However, he is a free agent again this offseason, and Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report is expecting the Pirates to lose the hard-throwing lefty.

"The 36-year-old has continued to blow his fastball by hitters in the late innings pitching on a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, posting a 3.42 ERA and 14.4 strikeouts per nine innings with 22 holds in 58 appearances," Reuter wrote. "His walk rate likely means he will need to settle for a setup role once again this winter, but plenty of teams will be interested in a similar one-year deal."

Chapman would be a big addition for any team looking for bullpen help, and it's not impossible for the Pirates to retain him. However, the Pirates are conservative with their money and could easily get outbid by a bigger-market team.

His market will certainly be competitive, especially after two consecutive strong seasons. He has helped stabilize the Pirates bullpen and could do the same with another team this coming offseason.

But it is very possible that the Pirates will have to prepare for life without him in 2025. We'll see if they can put forth a competitive offer for the 36-year-old.

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