Get ready for some exciting news, baseball fans! The Pirates are making a move to sign left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa, and it's a story that's sure to spark some debate.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network has reported that La Sorsa is expected to join the Pirates on a minor league deal, with an invitation to MLB Spring Training. But here's where it gets interesting: La Sorsa has already had a journey through the MLB, playing for three different teams in just three seasons.
La Sorsa made his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023, but his MLB story began back in 2019 when he was drafted by the Rays. He quickly made an impact, striking out nearly a batter per inning in his first full season in 2021. His performance improved even further the following year, with an impressive strikeout rate that earned him a promotion to Double-A. Minor league hitters struggled against La Sorsa, batting just .191 against him in 2022.
However, his time with the Rays was short-lived. After just two games in 2023, he was designated for assignment and quickly claimed by the Nationals. La Sorsa spent some time with the Nationals' bullpen, but his results were mixed. He then found himself back in the minors with Triple-A Rochester before rejoining the Nationals later that season. Unfortunately, his performance didn't improve, and he was released during the offseason.
La Sorsa's journey continued with the Cincinnati Reds, where he shuttled between Triple-A Louisville and the big leagues all summer. He made four separate trips to the Reds' roster, but his time with the team was challenging, as he struggled with control and allowed four home runs in just five outings.
And this is the part most people miss: despite these ups and downs, La Sorsa's overall career numbers are quite impressive. He has a career ERA of 3.60 across 31 appearances, and his strikeout rate has consistently been elite. So, the question remains: can La Sorsa find his groove with the Pirates and turn his career around?
What do you think, baseball enthusiasts? Is La Sorsa a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, or has his journey been a series of missed opportunities? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
