Pirates expected to sign left-hander Joe LasosaMLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports. This is a minor league deal with an invitation to Major League Baseball Spring Training.
Lasosa played parts of three Major League Baseball (MLB) seasons with three different teams. He debuted with the Rays in 2023. Lasosa most recently played for Cincinnati. He made five appearances for the Reds last season.
Tampa Bay drafted Lasosa in 2019. That same year, he pitched 36 1/3 innings in Low-A. Lasosa posted a 3.60 ERA in 31 games in 2021, striking out nearly a batter per inning. The following season, he took a step forward, advancing to Double-A with an elite 36.3% strikeout rate. In 2022, the minor league team hit just .191 against La Sorsa. He posted a career-high 2.33 ERA in 73 1/3 innings.
Lasosa was designated for assignment after just two games with the Rays in 2023. He was quickly poached by the Nationals on waivers. Lasosa made 23 appearances in the Washington bullpen that season. He limited walks and kept the ball in the park, but finished with a 4.76 ERA. Lasosa returned to the Nationals in August 2024 after half a season with Triple-A Rochester. He had similarly tepid results and was fired in the offseason.
Cincinnati spent the summer shuttling Lasosa between Triple-A Louisville and Great American Ball Park. He has been recalled by major league clubs four times, including three in June. Lasosa allowed eight earned runs in 6 2/3 innings for the Reds. He hit four home runs in five games with the team.
