Could a 35-year-old pitcher with a checkered injury history be the Pittsburgh Pirates' secret weapon for the upcoming season? It sounds like a long shot, but some experts are pointing to veteran pitcher Mike Clevinger as a potential 'dark horse' candidate to snag a coveted spot on the Pirates' roster. After a busy offseason aimed at breaking their playoff drought, the competition for a place on the team is expected to be fierce.
Clevinger, who has 60 career wins under his belt, was recently signed by the Pirates to a minor-league deal. While his recent performance has been hampered by injuries, leading to limited appearances over the past two years, there's a belief that he might still have something to offer. As MLB.com analyst Dawn Klemish noted, Clevinger's past success, including a 60-44 record and a 3.55 ERA over nine seasons, demonstrates his capability to compete at the highest level and bring valuable veteran experience to the clubhouse. Klemish also highlighted his versatility, mentioning that Clevinger's experience as both a starter and a reliever could make him a valuable asset for the Pirates, particularly in a long relief role.
But here's where it gets interesting: While there are indeed bullpen spots open, this isn't a guaranteed spot for Clevinger. He'll need to impress significantly during spring training to outshine other potential candidates, like Yohan Ramirez, who currently has no minor-league options remaining. Failing to do so could see him starting the season in Triple-A.
Clevinger's last three seasons were with the Chicago White Sox, where he played in only 12 games across the last two years. However, his background as a starter means he could provide crucial innings out of the bullpen or even step in for spot starts when the team needs them. His best season was arguably in 2019 with the Cleveland Guardians, where he posted an impressive 13-4 record with a 2.71 ERA in 21 starts. While he may not be that same pitcher today, his ability to be an effective long reliever could very well earn him a spot on the Opening Day roster.
The Pirates are set to kick off their 2026 MLB season on March 26th against the New York Mets.
Now, let's talk about that 'dark horse' label. Is it fair to consider a pitcher with recent injury struggles as a strong contender, or is this more of a hopeful gamble by the Pirates? What do you think? Could Mike Clevinger surprise everyone and make a significant impact, or is this just a long shot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
