The Pirates begin their slate of Grapefruit League games on February 22 when Pittsburgh takes on the Orioles. When that game takes place, the Pirates will have a new arm on their roster. Veteran left-hander Andrew Heaney, on the Rangers’ 2023 World Series team, is reportedly joining the Pirates to help fill out their rotation.
A Look at Heaney
After a very good, albeit shortened 2022 season, Andrew Heaney parlayed his success with the Dodgers to a new deal with the Rangers. Heaney, despite ups and downs, was a good arm by and large for the Rangers.
Heaney struck out 151 batters for the Rangers in 2023, then logged 11 frames in the postseason for Texas. Last year, Heaney posted a 4.58 ERA with 159 strikeouts over 160 innings. However, the metrics showed a sharp decline in some categories. His 26.3% Whiff% was in line with his 2023 numbers but down significantly from 2022 (35.9%).
Heaney transitioned into a two-pitch pitcher with Los Angeles, using his arm slot to his advantage and becoming a mostly fastball/slider pitcher. His fastball isn’t a burner but possesses plus armside run. Its 15.7” horizontal run was 7.5” above the league average, operating more like a two-seamer.
Whether by design or by necessity, Heaney lowered his fastball usage to 50.1%. He incorporated his curveball — his primary secondary offering before going to LA — and changeup more, moving from a three-pitch arm to a four-pitch arm.
There are some obvious concerns surrounding Heaney. His velocity’s been down. Heaney’s mean fastball velocity was 93.0 MPH three years ago with the Dodgers. But in 2024, it was down to 91.5 MPH.
The slider has good left-to-right action and plays up with Heaney’s low, crossfire delivery.
From a health standpoint, Heaney’s had his problems. The veteran left-hander dealt with shoulder and elbow problems over the first decade of his pro career. But with Texas, Heaney didn’t spend any time on the IL.
Per MLB.com, the deal for the Pirates to sign Andrew Heaney is pending a physical. It’s reportedly a one-year deal worth $5.25MM.
Analysis
Despite the Pirates having some of the game’s best young pitching with Paul Skenes and Jared Jones — and more to come — starter options are always in need. And realistically, the Pirates could use a fifth starter.
Right now, the Pirates’ rotation locks include Jones, Mitch Keller, Skenes, and Bailey Falter. Johan Oviedo, who pitched well in 2023 but missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, is fighting for a rotation spot.
Pittsburgh does have notable prospects to watch in camp, including Braxton Ashcraft and two non-roster invitees, Bubba Chandler and Thomas Harrington. All three are knocking on the door, with Chandler being the most intriguing of the bunch.
Having a veteran arm, though, makes it easier for the Pirates to fill out their rotation for the 2025 season.
Make sure to check out our streaming guide, as Spring Training gets into full gear this upcoming weekend.