The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced the signing of left-handed relief pitcher Génesis Cabrera to a major league contract. The Chicago Cubs designated Cabrera for assignment on Saturday. To make room for the 28-year-old, the Pirates optioned pitcher Michael Darrell-Hicks to Triple-A Indianapolis and designated pitcher Hunter Stratton for assignment.
Pirates Sign Left-Handed Pitcher Génesis Cabrera
If nobody saw this move coming, it makes sense in light of recent events. Ryan Borucki’s placement on the injured list last Saturday left Caleb Ferguson as the sole left-handed pitcher in the Pirates’ bullpen. Cabrera gives manager Don Kelly a second left-handed option.
Cabrera pitched for the New York Mets and Cubs this season. He has previous major-league experience with the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays dating back to 2019. For his career, he’s 17-14 with five saves, a 4.03 ERA, 1.350 WHIP, and 102 ERA+ in 287 games, including two starts. As recently as 2023, he posted a 2.66 ERA and 0.972 WHIP with Toronto. However, 2025 isn’t going so well. He’s given up 12 earned runs in 17 major-league innings and seven earned runs in eight innings at Triple-A Syracuse.
We have signed LHP Génesis Cabrera to a one-year Major League contract.
RHP Michael Darrell-Hicks has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis to make room on the 26-man active roster.
Additionally, RHP Hunter Stratton has been designated for assignment to make room on the…
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 26, 2025
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Cabrera has some peripheral stats that likely attracted the analytically hip Pirates. For his career, he’s held opponents to a .232/.329/.391 slash line. He’s had three seasons where he’s struck out at least 9.4 batters per nine innings. He also carries a 4.02 xERA in contrast to his 6.35 ERA for 2025. This indicates he’s been victimized by soft-hit balls finding holes. Furthermore, he’s been reasonably effective against left-handed batters in 2025. They’re just 5-for-29 against him, although those five hits include a home run and two doubles. With a five-pitch mix that includes a slider, curveball, cutter, four-seam fastball, and splitter, he could be effective if used in the right spots.
Stratton Designated for Assignment
It’s a mild surprise to see the Pirates DFA Stratton and risk losing him on a waiver claim, as he was effective in 2023 and 2024. The Pirates could look to trade him during the waiver process. He doesn’t meet the criteria to elect free agency, and thus would remain in Indianapolis if he’s unclaimed.
Main Photo Credit: © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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