Pirates Re-Sign Pitcher to Minor League Contract
The Pittsburgh Pirates have re-signed right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton to a minor league deal, according to the MLB Transactions page. Stratton had previously elected free agency on Nov. 22.
Stratton’s 2024 season ended early due to a serious injury suffered on Aug. 24 against the Cincinnati Reds. While attempting to field a wild pitch that had eluded catcher Joey Bart, Stratton ran toward home plate to tag out Reds’ second baseman Jonathan India, who stole home. However, Stratton missed the ball, and as it bounced away, he slipped in the dirt while trying to recover it, injuring his left knee.
The Pirates confirmed on Aug. 25 that Stratton had ruptured his left patella tendon and was placed on the 60-day Injured List, effectively ending his season. A patella tendon rupture is a painful injury that can hinder walking and knee extension, with a recovery period of 7-10 months, potentially bringing Stratton back between late March and late June.
In 2024, Stratton made 36 appearances out of the bullpen, posting a 2-1 record with a 3.58 ERA over 37.2 innings, striking out 33 batters and walking just seven.
The Pirates drafted Stratton in the 16th round of the 2017 MLB Draft after he spent two seasons pitching for Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tenn. From 2017 to 2023, he played in the minor leagues before being called up by the Pirates on Sept. 4, 2023. He appeared in eight games that season, earning a 2.25 ERA over 12 innings with 10 strikeouts and three walks.
In addition to Stratton, the Pirates also re-signed pitcher Isaac Mattson to a minor league deal on Nov. 18.
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