The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to terms with Wade LeBlanc
The first bit of arbitration news has started to trickle in, as Jon Heyman reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates have avoided arbitration with Wade LeBlanc.
The left-handed reliever will receive $800,000 in 2017, with a club option to the tune of $1.25 million in 2018, with a $50,000 buyout.
This could be considered a win for the Pittsburgh Pirates, as LeBlanc was projected to make $1.6 million in 2017 as per MLB Trade Rumors. The signing of the left-handed LeBlanc could also serve as another indication that the club will look to shed itself of Antonio Bastardo, another left-hander, after a short-lived reunion.
With LeBlanc in tow, the total number of left-handers in the Pirates’ bullpen stands at a staggering four. With Bastardo likely on the way out, three left-handed relievers would still serve as a bit of a unique look among MLB teams, which are traditionally more balanced.
LeBlanc is certainly capable. He allowed just one earned run in 12 innings pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016. Prior to that, he has shown flashes of being a major-league capable reliever, though his numbers may underwhelm on the surface.
With the non-tender arbitration deadline coming up fast at 8pm EST tonight, expect more arbitration-related news to come.
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