Pirates Claim RHP Aaron Slegers Off Waivers

The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed right-handed pitcher Aaron Slegers off waivers from the Minnesota Twins Friday afternoon.

Slegers, 26, has made eight major league appearances and five starts over the last two seasons, recording a 5.90 ERA over 29 innings pitched. He made 15 starts in AAA in 2018, finishing with a 3.80 ERA and 4.63 FIP.

Slegers’ primary pitches are a fastball that sits in the low 90s and a slider. Neither pitch has a lot of spin, sitting in the bottom 10% in the league in average spin rate. He also mixes in a changeup.

He is 6’10”, 245 lbs., so the Pirates may be drawn to his physique more than his results or peripherals. At that height, Slegers’ fastball should have some natural sink to it.

To make room on the 40 man, the Pirates designated AA pitcher Dario Agrazal for assignment.