Every off-season, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the rest of Major League Baseball sign players to Minor League contracts. Often the deals are followed up with “World Series here we come!” or “that’s the missing piece!”. While those quotes often are humorous and meant satirically – those signings usually do not turn into anything – the Bucs have found two of their most valuable pieces this year through minor league deals.
One of the veterans the Pittsburgh Pirates signed on a minor league deal is Francisco Liriano. Liriano has quietly been one of the best left-handed relievers in baseball this season.