At the MLB Winter Meetings, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed free agent pitcher Jordan Lyles to a one-year contract. Although the contract was only worth $2.5M, it was a much maligned signing. This was due to Lyles poor track record, especially as a starting pitcher.
When the Pirates first signed Lyles it was unknown if he would join the team as a starting pitcher or a bullpen arm. Last season, he found great success as a reliever. Splitting time between the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers he owned a 3.32 ERA, 3.11 FIP, and a 25.