After being non-tendered by the Pittsburgh Pirates in November, RHP Hunter Stratton has once again returned to the organization on a Minor League deal, according to Stratton’s MLB.com profile page. Whether he will be ready for Spring Training has not been confirmed.
This is a low-risk move for a Pirates organization short on reliable bullpen depth for 2025. Hunter Stratton proved he could execute in some high-leverage situations in 2024, and he could have had a much more productive season had it not been shortened due to injuries, as his 3.58 ERA and 1.17 WHIP came across only 36 appearances.
Derek Shelton overused Stratton in many key situations at the beginning of last season. He threw 31.1 IP in 29 games from Opening Day until June 13 before landing on the 15-day injured list with a right triceps strain, and after rehab, returned to Pittsburgh in late July. On Aug. 24 against the Cincinnati Reds, Stratton was carted off the field after rupturing his left patella tendon in his left knee on a bizarre play in which he fell awkwardly going after a ball near the backstop.
This latest injury required surgery and a 7-10 month timetable for his return. Stratton may not be fully ready to go until June of 2025 at the latest, and whether the Pirates will have room for him in their ‘pen will be dependent on how sharp he is after recovery and rehab and how the Pirates’ bullpen will be reshaped with acquisitions this offseason.
Regardless, if Stratton can again prove he can be efficient in the strike zone (career 4.9% walk rate) and create soft contact, he will undoubtedly have a place in the organization and will be called upon to step up for the big-league club this season. Welcome back, Hunter!