In the unpredictable world of baseball, players like Jarren Duran and Brent Rooker are proving that they can surprise us with their performances. Duran, an outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, posted impressive stats in 2024, including a .285 average and 34 stolen bases, suggesting he could be a valuable asset in fantasy leagues. However, concerns about sustainability linger, especially regarding his batting average and speed metrics.

Brent Rooker of the Athletics showcased his power with 39 home runs, but questions about his average and strikeout rates add uncertainty to his future output. Meanwhile, Willy Adames, now with the Giants, faces a challenging environment for repeating his past success, and Matt Chapman appears to be on the rise again after addressing previous swing issues. Across the league, familiar names like Luis Garcia and Jack Flaherty are also making waves, each with their own set of sustainability challenges and potential fantasy value.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are poised for the 2025 season with a solid group of starting pitchers but are looking to enhance their rotation by potentially signing Jakob Junis. As they prepare for an open competition for the fifth starter position, top pitching prospects like Bubba Chandler will be in the mix.

With the recent trade involving Luis L. Ortiz and Spencer Horwitz, the Pirates have room to strengthen their pitching depth. Junis, who had a strong 2024 season with a 2.69 ERA, could provide both a starting option and bullpen flexibility.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have bolstered their bullpen by signing left-handed relief pitcher Caleb Ferguson to a one-year contract, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Noah Hiles. Ferguson, set to turn 29 in July, is entering his sixth MLB season, this time with the Pirates after stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros.

Drafted by the Dodgers in 2014, Ferguson made waves during the 2020 season with a stellar 2.89 ERA and 27 strikeouts over 21 appearances, contributing to the Dodgers' World Series championship. However, an elbow injury led to Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2021 season.

Upon returning, Ferguson enjoyed a career-best season with a 1.82 ERA. Following a trade from the Dodgers to the Yankees and subsequently to the Astros, he posted a 3.86 ERA for Houston while also participating briefly in postseason play during the American League Wild Card Series.

Ferguson's addition is a significant upgrade for a Pirates bullpen that struggled against left-handed hitters last season, finishing with the highest walk rate and worst batting average against them in the National League. Known for his versatility, Ferguson brings a four-pitch repertoire, and he joins Joey Wentz as the second left-handed reliever in Pittsburgh's bullpen.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have taken a significant step in enhancing their pitching staff by signing left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson to a one-year deal valued at $3 million. While the intention is for Ferguson to bolster the bullpen, there are indications he may also be considered for a role in the starting rotation. MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf reported that the Pirates plan to stretch him out during Spring Training, potentially preparing him for a spot as the fifth starter.

Ferguson’s history includes experience as a starter, having made 53 out of 87 appearances in the minor leagues while with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, in the majors, he has primarily functioned as a reliever, starting only 14 out of 263 games since debuting in 2018. His last starting appearance occurred on September 26, 2023, before he was traded to the New York Yankees for the 2024 season, where he struggled with a 5.13 ERA over 42 games.

Following a trade to the Houston Astros, Ferguson found better success, recording a 3.86 ERA in 20 appearances. The Pirates are facing a significant need in their bullpen, which previously had the fourth-highest ERA in the league and tied for the second-most blown leads last season. With the recent departure of Aroldis Chapman to the Boston Red Sox, strengthening the bullpen remains a priority, even with Ferguson now vying for a starting role.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed left-handed pitcher Caleb Ferguson to a one-year contract valued at $3 million, pending a successful physical. The 28-year-old Ferguson boasts a career record of 19-13, alongside five saves and a 3.68 ERA across 263 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros.

In the previous season, Ferguson's performance was split between the Yankees and Astros, where he recorded a 1-4 record and a 4.64 ERA. The Pirates are planning to stretch him out during spring training, exploring his potential as a starting pitcher.

Throughout his Major League career, Ferguson has primarily been utilized as a reliever, having made only 14 starts, mostly as an opener. During his rookie season with the Dodgers in 2018, he made a couple of spot starts, including a notable five-inning appearance against the San Francisco Giants.

The Pirates’ rotation, which is primarily composed of right-handed pitchers including the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Jared Jones, is in need of a left-handed option, making Ferguson's addition timely and strategic.