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Dunedin Today
By the People, for the People
Diamondbacks Sign Former Pirates Pitcher
Arizona adds an arm with Blake Cederlind on a minor league deal.
Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:09am
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A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's motion captures the dynamic energy and movement of the game.Dunedin TodayThe Arizona Diamondbacks have signed right-handed reliever Blake Cederlind to a minor league contract. Cederlind is a veteran of numerous minor league seasons, but has only seen one short stint in the major leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates since he was drafted in 2016. He missed the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to a UCL sprain that required Tommy John surgery, and has not pitched at the professional level since 2023.
Why it matters
The Diamondbacks are looking to bolster their pitching depth, and Cederlind represents a low-risk, high-potential addition to their minor league system. His previous success with the Pirates and connection to the Diamondbacks' assistant GM Jeremy Bleich make him an intriguing reclamation project.
The details
Cederlind was originally drafted by the Pirates in the fifth round in 2016. He transitioned from a starting pitcher to a reliever and made his MLB debut in the 2020 COVID-shortened season, pitching 4 innings across 5 appearances. After missing 2021 and 2022 due to injury, he returned in 2023 but was released by the Pirates and spent time in the Padres organization before becoming a free agent. The Diamondbacks are hoping to help Cederlind regain the velocity and stuff that made him an intriguing prospect, with the goal of potentially contributing at the major league level down the line.
- Cederlind was drafted by the Pirates in 2016.
- He made his MLB debut with the Pirates in the 2020 COVID-shortened season.
- Cederlind missed the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to a UCL sprain and Tommy John surgery.
- He returned to pitch in 2023 but was released by the Pirates and spent time in the Padres organization.
- The Diamondbacks signed Cederlind to a minor league deal in April 2026.
The players
Blake Cederlind
A right-handed reliever who was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016 and has spent time in their minor league system as well as brief stints in the majors and with the San Diego Padres organization.
Jeremy Bleich
The current assistant general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who previously served as the director of pitching development for the Pittsburgh Pirates, overlapping with Cederlind's time in their system.
What’s next
Cederlind will report to the Arizona Complex League to begin his tenure in the Diamondbacks organization, where he will look to regain his form and velocity after missing significant time due to injury.
The takeaway
The Diamondbacks are taking a low-risk flier on Cederlind, a former Pirates prospect with intriguing stuff who is looking to revive his career after a lengthy injury layoff. His connection to the team's assistant GM could give him an opportunity to prove himself and potentially contribute at the major league level down the line.
