Justin Masterson

Pirates showing interest in Justin Masterson

The Pittsburgh Pirates are interested in starting pitcher Justin Masterson, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

What It Means:

Masterson is looking for a one-year deal in hopes of rebuilding his value, and there's wouldn't be a better landing spot than Pittsburgh, where he could work with pitching guru Ray Searage. Slated to turn 31-years-old in March, Masterson had arthroscopic right shoulder surgery in September. He's expected to be healthy for spring training.

Masterson posted an ugly 5.61 ERA over 59 1/3 innings for the Boston Red Sox in 2015, as well as a 7.43 strikeout-per-nine rate and 4.10 walk-per-nine rate. His FIP of 4.89 at least indicates some positive regression.