Get ready for some exciting news, baseball fans! The Pirates are making a move that's sure to spark some debate among the community.
Jon Morosi from MLB Network has reported that the Pirates are set to sign left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa. It's a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training, giving La Sorsa a chance to prove himself.
La Sorsa has already made his mark in the MLB, appearing in three seasons with three different teams. He made his debut with the Rays in 2023, but his journey didn't end there. La Sorsa's most recent stint was with the Cincinnati Reds, where he made five appearances last season.
Let's rewind a bit to 2019, when Tampa Bay drafted La Sorsa. He quickly made an impact, tossing 36 1/3 innings in Low-A that year. La Sorsa's performance improved over the years, with a solid 3.60 ERA in 2021 and an impressive 36.3% strikeout rate the following season, which earned him a promotion to Double-A. Minor league hitters struggled against him, batting just .191, and he posted a 2.33 ERA across 73 1/3 innings in 2022.
However, things took a turn in 2023. La Sorsa was designated for assignment after only two games with the Rays. But here's where it gets interesting: he was quickly claimed by the Nationals, where he made 23 appearances out of the bullpen. La Sorsa showed promise by limiting walks and keeping the ball in play, but his ERA of 4.76 left room for improvement.
After a stint with Triple-A Rochester, La Sorsa found himself back with the Nationals in 2024. Unfortunately, his results were underwhelming, and he was released during the offseason. But the story doesn't end there. Cincinnati gave La Sorsa another chance, shuttling him between Triple-A Louisville and the big leagues all summer. He was recalled four times, including three times in June, but struggled with the Reds, allowing four home runs in just five outings.
So, what does this all mean for La Sorsa and the Pirates? Well, that's the part most people miss. It's a minor league deal, giving La Sorsa an opportunity to rebuild his career and prove his worth. With his past successes and struggles, this move is sure to be a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
What do you think? Is this a smart move by the Pirates? Or is it a risky venture? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a friendly debate!
