Pirates Sign Left-Hander Joe La Sorsa to Minor League Deal with Spring Training Invite

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a low-risk, potentially high-value addition to their pitching depth this week, signing left-hander Joe La Sorsa to a one-year minor league contract that includes an invitation to Major League spring training. The deal, first reported by MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, gives the Pirates an opportunity to evaluate a pitcher who has shown flashes of promise across multiple levels of professional baseball.

La Sorsa, 27, brings experience from the Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals, Cincinnati Reds, and New York Mets organizations. Though he has yet to secure a long-term role at the Major League level, his ability to induce weak contact and limit home runs has drawn interest from multiple front offices. For a Pirates team still building its bullpen depth behind closer David Bednar and relievers Carmen Mlodzinski and Aroldis Chapman, La Sorsa represents a low-cost addition with upside.

The left-hander will report to Bradenton, Florida, in February for spring training, where he will compete for a bullpen role. His signing aligns with the Pirates’ broader strategy of adding veteran depth to complement their developing pitching prospects.

While La Sorsa’s career numbers may not leap off the page, his track record of adaptability — from collegiate baseball to multiple Major League clubs — has kept him in the conversation as a reliable middle-relief candidate.

1. From New York Roots to Professional Ranks

A native of New Rochelle, New York, La Sorsa’s path to professional baseball has been defined by steady development and resilience. Drafted in the 19th round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays out of St. John’s University, he quickly earned a reputation as a durable and intelligent pitcher. During his college years, he helped anchor the Red Storm’s rotation, building a foundation of control and command that would later define his professional career. Before entering pro ball, La Sorsa also starred at Iona Preparatory School, leading his team to a Catholic High School Athletic Association title during his senior season. His work ethic and consistency earned him attention across the region and ultimately led him to the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2018, where he competed for the Harwich Mariners. That summer, he recorded a 3–2 record with a 5.79 ERA and contributed two innings to a combined no-hitter — a highlight that reflected his ability to perform in high-pressure environments. Scouts viewed him as a “pitcher’s pitcher,” someone with strong game sense and a willingness to adapt to different roles. Those qualities carried over to the minors, where La Sorsa steadily climbed the Rays’ developmental ladder, posting solid numbers in each stop before reaching Double-A in 2022.

2. Steady Climb and Major League Debut

La Sorsa’s professional debut came in 2019 with the Hudson Valley Renegades, where he threw 36⅓ innings and began refining his mix of breaking pitches. After the pandemic-canceled 2020 season, he returned in 2021 to post a 3.60 ERA across 31 appearances, demonstrating strong command and a knack for strikeouts. His 2022 campaign marked a breakthrough — with Double-A Montgomery, he struck out more than a third of the batters he faced, limited opponents to a .191 average, and logged a 2.33 ERA over 73⅓ innings. Those results earned him a long-awaited Major League debut with Tampa Bay on May 29, 2023. He impressed immediately, tossing two scoreless innings and striking out two in his first appearance. However, the Rays’ crowded pitching depth led to his designation for assignment after just two outings. The Washington Nationals claimed La Sorsa off waivers that June, and he went on to pitch 23 games for them that season, recording a 4.76 ERA and 25 strikeouts over 28⅓ innings. He remained with the club into 2024, appearing in 16 more games before being released in January 2025. Brief stints followed with the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets, though he struggled to find consistency, posting a 10.80 ERA in limited action with Cincinnati before electing free agency.

3. A Chance to Reset in Pittsburgh

Now, La Sorsa gets an opportunity to reset his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where the competition for bullpen roles remains open. The team has been active in targeting experienced relievers on minor league deals, hoping to uncover contributors who can bridge innings in the middle of games. For La Sorsa, success in Pittsburgh may hinge on regaining the command and strikeout efficiency that made him effective in the Rays’ system. His left-handed delivery and deceptive arm angle give him an advantage against left-handed batters — a trait the Pirates could leverage in matchup situations. Manager Derek Shelton has often emphasized versatility in his bullpen construction, and La Sorsa’s ability to work multiple innings could make him a valuable depth piece. A strong showing in spring training could position him for an early-season call-up, particularly if the team faces injuries or workload limits among its regular relievers. While La Sorsa’s career has already spanned several organizations, Pittsburgh may represent his best chance yet to carve out a stable Major League role. If he can recapture his Double-A form and maintain consistent control, the Pirates could find themselves with a valuable left-handed option at minimal cost.