The Pittsburgh Pirates avoided arbitration with Ryan Borucki on Friday by signing the left-handed reliever to a one-year, $1.6 million contract.
The Pirates tendered offers to 34 players, including four eligible for arbitration in right-handed pitchers David Bednar, JT Brubaker and Mitch Keller and outfielder Connor Joe.
Righties Osvaldo Bido and Hunter Stratton were non-tendered, though the Pirates hope to sign both to minor-league deals.
Borucki, 29, was one of the Pirates’ most reliable relievers this past season. He went 4-0 with a 2.45 ERA and 0.74 WHIP in 38 appearances for the Pirates after signing a minor league deal in May.
Borucki, who made $900,000 last season, was projected by MLB Trade Rumors to make $1.3 million in his third year of arbitration.
Bednar, a two-time All-Star closer, is projected to make $4.7 million. Keller, selected to his first All-Star Game, is projected to make $6 million. Brubaker, who missed the 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, is projected to make $2.28 million. Joe, who tied for the team lead with 31 doubles, is projected at $2 million.
Bido, 28, was 2-5 with a 5.86 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 50 2/3 innings over 16 appearances, including nine starts.
Stratton, who turned 27 on Friday, posted a 2.25 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 12 innings over eight appearances.
There are now 37 players on the Pirates’ 40-man roster.
