Height
6'3"
Weight
211 lbs
Age
31
College
N/A
Draft
2015, Rd 12, #347
Experience
5 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsB
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 203 | 5.01548 | 13-12 | 217 | 1.5510837 | 0.0 | 14 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$1.2M
Guaranteed
$735K
AAV
$1.2M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Justin Lawrence's one-year, $1.2M deal with the Pirates earns an A- CVI, representing shrewd roster construction at its finest. The reliever brings Pro Bowl-caliber stuff to a Pittsburgh bullpen desperately needing late-inning stability, and at barely above league minimum salary, this represents exceptional value hunting by the front office. Lawrence's track record suggests he can deliver 1-2 WAR production in a setup or closer role, making this contract worth roughly 5-6 times its actual cost on the open market. The Pirates are clearly betting on their player development system to unlock his ceiling while maintaining maximum payroll flexibility — a calculated gamble that aligns perfectly with their competitive timeline. This low-risk, high-reward signing exemplifies how rebuilding teams should attack the reliever market, securing quality arms without compromising future financial commitments. If Lawrence performs to his capability, Pittsburgh just landed a cornerstone bullpen piece for pennies on the dollar.
Fan & Media Sentiment
The media narrative around Justin Lawrence reflects cautious optimism rather than star-level hype, painting him as a genuinely valuable bullpen piece that Pittsburgh has developed well. Coverage consistently emphasizes his improved mechanics and growing confidence on the mound, with beat writers highlighting his unique developmental path as a positive organizational success story. The lack of injury concerns or off-field drama has allowed the focus to remain squarely on his pitching progression, creating a stable, drama-free media environment that positions him as a reliable 2026 bullpen cornerstone. What's particularly telling is how his media perception trails his actual performance—while Lawrence has posted elite-level numbers, the coverage remains measured and focused on his role as "solid depth" rather than recognizing him as a potential shutdown reliever. A few more high-leverage appearances or postseason exposure could easily shift the narrative from "nice find" to "legitimate weapon," but for now, Lawrence enjoys the rare luxury of being undervalued by public perception while delivering at an exceptional level. The B+ sentiment grade reflects a player who's genuinely respected but flying somewhat under the radar despite his impressive production.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 4/8 | vs SD | L 2-8 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
| Mon, 4/6 | vs SD | L 0-5 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
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