In their quest to enhance a primarily right-handed starting rotation, the Pirates sought a veteran left-handed pitcher, especially with reigning National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes leading the staff.

Heaney's strong strikeout rate, with 159 strikeouts in 2024, highlights his potential as a valuable addition to the Pirates' rotation.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed veteran left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney to a one-year contract worth $5.25 million, pending a physical examination.

Throughout his 11-year Major League Baseball career, primarily with the Los Angeles Angels, Heaney has accumulated an overall record of 51 wins and 62 losses with a 4.45 ERA.

During his last two seasons with the Rangers, Heaney pitched 307 1/3 innings, achieving a 4.22 ERA, 310 strikeouts, and 101 walks.

Heaney will join a strong rotation that includes emerging talents like Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Jared Jones, although the identity of the fifth starter remains uncertain.

Despite his struggles with home runs, allowing 89 since 2021, including 23 last season, Heaney stands out as one of the few left-handed starters who have pitched at least 145 innings in each of the past two seasons.

In 2023, Heaney played a significant role in the Texas Rangers' World Series victory, contributing by pitching five innings of one-run ball in Game 4.

Other candidates for the fifth starter position include Bailey Falter and Johan Oviedo, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Heaney, 33, had a challenging 2024 season with the Texas Rangers, finishing with a 5-14 record and a 4.28 ERA over 32 games.

With the Pirates' roster currently full, a roster move will be necessary to accommodate Heaney before the first Spring Training game against the Orioles.

The dimensions of Pittsburgh's PNC Park are expected to help mitigate Heaney's home run issues.