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Caleb Ferguson

Caleb Paul Ferguson (born July 2, 1996) is an American professional baseball relief pitcher who throws left-handed and bats right-handed, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds.^[1] He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2018 to 2023, the New York Yankees and Houston Astros in 2024, and the Pittsburgh Pirates and Seattle Mariners in 2025, becoming a free agent on November 2, 2025.^[1] Ferguson was selected by the Dodgers in the 38th round (1,149th overall) of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft from West Jefferson High School in West Jefferson, Ohio.^[1] He made his MLB debut on June 6, 2018, as a starter against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and over his first six seasons with the Dodgers, he appeared in 201 games, posting a 3.50 earned run average (ERA) with 247 strikeouts in 207 innings pitched.^[1] In 2022, he achieved an adjusted ERA+ of 223, one of the highest marks among relievers that season, highlighting his effectiveness in high-leverage situations.^[1] Following his time with the Dodgers, Ferguson signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees in January 2024, where he made 42 appearances before being traded to the Astros on July 30, 2024.^[1] He inked a one-year, $3 million contract with the Pirates on January 10, 2025, but was traded to the Mariners on July 30, 2025, contributing to both teams' bullpens in a season that saw him record a 3.58 ERA across 51 strikeouts.^[1] Through the 2025 season, Ferguson's career totals include 333 appearances, a 24–17 win–loss record, a 3.58 ERA, and 365 strikeouts in 327 innings pitched.^[1]

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Caleb Ferguson was born on July 2, 1996, in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in the small village of West Jefferson, approximately 19 miles west of Columbus.^[1]^[2] Growing up in a rural area surrounded by farmland, Ferguson was immersed in a football-centric community and household, where his brother competed at the Division II level.^[3]^[4] From a young age, Ferguson was exposed to multiple sports through his family's athletic influences, participating in football, basketball, and baseball during his middle school years.^[2]^[4] Despite initial struggles in baseball, where he often rode the bench in seventh and eighth grade due to limited skills and velocity around 70 mph, he began developing his pitching arsenal early.^[3] A pivotal moment came when his pitching coach provided him with a yo-yo, instructing him to grip it with his middle finger to mimic the wrist snap needed for a curveball; this technique shaped the motion for his signature breaking pitch.^[5] Influenced by his family's strong football heritage, Ferguson initially prioritized the sport but decided to quit during his ninth-grade year as a freshman at West Jefferson High School to dedicate himself fully to baseball.^[3]^[4] This shift, supported by early coaching that highlighted his potential in baseball, marked the beginning of his focused development in the sport.^[2]

High school career and draft

Ferguson attended West Jefferson High School in West Jefferson, Ohio, where he played as a left-handed pitcher on the varsity baseball team.^[6] As a promising prospect, he committed to play college baseball at West Virginia University on a scholarship, attracted by the program's coaching staff, facilities, and academic offerings.^[7] During his high school tenure, Ferguson showed steady improvement, notably increasing his fastball velocity by approximately 5 miles per hour each year, which helped him emerge as one of Ohio's top left-handed pitchers; he earned a No. 3 ranking among left-handers in the state and No. 17 overall in the class of 2014 according to Perfect Game rankings.^[3]^[8] In his senior year, however, Ferguson suffered a significant setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2014 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, just before the MLB Draft. The injury caused most teams to pass on him due to the recovery risks and timeline, but the Los Angeles Dodgers selected him in the 38th round, 1,149th overall, in the 2014 MLB Draft, viewing him as a high-upside project despite the medical concerns.^[1] Ferguson ultimately signed with the Dodgers for a $100,000 signing bonus, forgoing his commitment to West Virginia to begin his professional career immediately after the draft.^[9]

Professional career

Los Angeles Dodgers

Ferguson signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a 38th-round pick in the 2014 MLB Draft and began his professional career the following year. In 2015, he made his debut in the Arizona League Dodgers rookie affiliate, where he recorded a 0–3 record with an 8.59 ERA over 14+2⁄3 innings in nine appearances.^[10] In 2016, Ferguson progressed through three levels, starting with brief stints in the Arizona League Dodgers and the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer League before spending most of the season with the Great Lakes Loons in the Class-A Midwest League. Across 17 appearances (14 starts), he posted a combined 3–4 record and 2.31 ERA, allowing 52 hits and 17 earned runs while striking out 63 in 66+1⁄3 innings.^[10] Ferguson spent the entire 2017 season with the Class-A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in the California League, emerging as one of their top starters with a 9–4 record, 2.87 ERA, and 140 strikeouts in 25 games (24 starts) over 122+1⁄3 innings. On September 1, 2017, he received a late-season promotion to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers in the Texas League, though he did not appear in any games for the team that year.^[10]^[6] Ferguson opened the 2018 minor league season back with the Tulsa Drillers, where he dominated in eight starts with a 3–0 record, 1.38 ERA, and 40 strikeouts in 39 innings, holding opponents to a .217 batting average before earning a call-up to the majors.^[11] On June 6, 2018, Ferguson made his MLB debut for the Dodgers as the starting pitcher against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, allowing two runs over 4+2⁄3 innings with four strikeouts in a no-decision.^[1] In his rookie season, he transitioned between starting and relieving roles across 29 appearances (three starts), finishing 7–2 with a 3.49 ERA, 59 strikeouts, and two saves in 49 innings pitched.^[11] Ferguson solidified his role as a left-handed reliever in 2019, appearing in 46 games with a 1–2 record and 4.84 ERA over 44+2⁄3 innings, during which he recorded 54 strikeouts and limited opponents to a .221 batting average against his pitches.^[1] The 2020 season, shortened to 60 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw him pitch in 21 relief outings for a 2–1 mark and 2.89 ERA in 18+2⁄3 innings, with 27 strikeouts and a team-leading 0.93 WHIP among qualified relievers.^[11] On September 15, 2020, during a relief appearance against the San Diego Padres, Ferguson tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, his second such injury following Tommy John surgery during his senior year of high school. He underwent the procedure on September 23, 2020, which sidelined him for the entire 2021 season as he focused on rehabilitation.^[12]^[13] Ferguson returned to the active roster on May 16, 2022, after over 19 months of recovery, and contributed steadily from the bullpen in 37 appearances with a 1–0 record, 1.82 ERA, and 37 strikeouts in 34+2⁄3 innings.^[14] In 2023, he achieved a career-best season in relief, making 68 appearances—a personal high—with a 7–4 record, 3.43 ERA, six holds, and 70 strikeouts across 60+1⁄3 innings, helping anchor the Dodgers' late-inning options during their National League West-winning campaign.^[11] Following the 2023 season, the Dodgers traded Ferguson to the New York Yankees on February 5, 2024, in exchange for left-handed pitcher Matt Gage and right-handed pitching prospect Christian Zazueta.^[15]

New York Yankees

On February 5, 2024, the New York Yankees acquired left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Matt Gage and minor league right-hander Christian Zazueta.^[15] The trade aimed to bolster the Yankees' bullpen with a lefty option following the departures of several relievers in free agency, including Wandy Peralta.^[16] Ferguson, who had spent his entire major league career with the Dodgers up to that point and recovered from Tommy John surgery earlier in his tenure there, was expected to provide depth as a high-leverage arm.^[17] During the 2024 season, Ferguson appeared in 42 games for the Yankees, primarily functioning as a left-handed specialist out of the bullpen.^[18] He recorded a 1-3 mark with a 5.13 ERA over 33 1/3 innings pitched, striking out 41 batters while issuing 16 walks.^[1] Although his performance was inconsistent, marked by a 1.50 WHIP and struggles against right-handed hitters, Ferguson was deployed in high-leverage situations amid the Yankees' contention for the American League East title, which they ultimately clinched.^[19] His role included facing key left-handed batters in tight games, contributing to the team's relief efforts during a competitive first half.^[20] On July 30, 2024, ahead of the MLB trade deadline, the Yankees traded Ferguson to the Houston Astros in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Kelly Austin and a portion of international signing bonus pool space.^[21] The move allowed the Yankees to reallocate resources in their bullpen as they pushed toward the playoffs.^[22]

Houston Astros

On July 30, 2024, the Houston Astros acquired left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson from the New York Yankees in exchange for minor league pitcher Kelly Austin and future considerations.^[1] The trade came amid Ferguson's struggles earlier in the season with the Yankees, where he sought to regain form in a bullpen needing left-handed depth.^[23] Ferguson quickly stabilized in Houston, making 20 relief appearances over the second half of the 2024 season and posting a 3.86 ERA across 21 innings pitched.^[1] He recorded 26 strikeouts against 9 walks, with a 0-1 record, and was frequently deployed in high-leverage situations during late innings to secure key outs against opposing lineups.^[1] His performance contributed to the Astros' pitching staff during their push to clinch the American League West division title on September 22, 2024. In the postseason, Ferguson had a limited role, appearing in one game during the American League Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers, where he pitched 0.1 scoreless innings.^[24] The Astros were eliminated in two games by the Tigers. Following the season, Ferguson became a free agent and signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on January 10, 2025.^[25]

Pittsburgh Pirates

After becoming a free agent following his stint with the Houston Astros, Ferguson signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on January 10, 2025, bolstering their bullpen with a veteran left-handed reliever.^[25]^[1] Ferguson quickly established himself as a key setup man in the Pirates' pitching staff during the first half of the 2025 season, appearing in 45 relief outings and posting a 3.74 ERA over 43.1 innings pitched, with 34 strikeouts and a 1.09 WHIP.^[1] His role involved bridging the gap to the closer, leveraging his ability to handle high-leverage situations against both left- and right-handed batters, which helped stabilize a Pirates bullpen undergoing rebuild efforts.^[26] On July 30, 2025, ahead of the trade deadline, the Pirates traded Ferguson to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Jeter Martinez, as part of efforts to acquire prospects amid a competitive season.^[11]^[1]

Seattle Mariners

On July 30, 2025, the Seattle Mariners acquired left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league right-hander Jeter Martinez.^[27] Ferguson joined a Mariners bullpen seeking additional left-handed options late in the season, where he was primarily deployed in situational roles against left-handed batters. In 25 appearances during the second half of 2025, he pitched 22.0 innings, allowing a 3.27 ERA while striking out 17 batters.^[1] His usage emphasized high-leverage matchups, contributing to Seattle's efforts to stabilize their relief corps amid a competitive AL West race.^[28] In the 2025 postseason, Ferguson appeared in three games for the Mariners, pitching 2.2 innings across the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers and the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays, during which he allowed 5 earned runs for a 7.36 ERA, with 2 strikeouts and 3 walks.^[24] Over the full 2025 season, combining his time with both the Pirates and Mariners, Ferguson compiled a 5–4 record with a 3.58 ERA across 70 games, 65.1 innings pitched, and 51 strikeouts.^[1] Following the conclusion of the regular season, he elected free agency on November 2, 2025.^[11]

Personal life

Immediate family

Caleb Ferguson married Carissa Darnell on November 20, 2021, in Grove City, Ohio.^[29]^[30] The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Brooks Robert Ferguson, on May 9, 2023, weighing 9 pounds at birth.^[29]^[11] This milestone came during Ferguson's tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, prompting him to take paternity leave shortly after.^[31] Ferguson and his family have shared moments of support amid his MLB schedule, with Carissa often highlighting their role in his professional life through public announcements.^[32] The birth of Brooks followed Ferguson's recovery from Tommy John surgery in September 2020.^[13]

Athletic family background

Caleb Ferguson's family maintained a longstanding tradition in American football, which significantly shaped his early athletic interests. His father was presented with the opportunity to play at the collegiate level but chose not to pursue it, reflecting a family emphasis on the sport that permeated their household in West Jefferson, Ohio.^[4] Ferguson's older brother carried forward this legacy by actively playing college football at the Division II level, further embedding the sport within the family's identity. This environment naturally drew Ferguson toward football during his youth, where he developed skills as a wide receiver and participated competitively in local youth leagues.^[4] The family's football focus initially guided Ferguson's sports involvement, but by the end of middle school, he expressed a growing interest in baseball. Persuading his father—who had prioritized football—to arrange pitching lessons marked a pivotal shift, leading Ferguson to abandon football before ninth grade in favor of dedicating himself fully to the diamond.^[3]

References

[1]
Caleb Ferguson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
Position: Pitcher ; Bats: Right • Throws: Left ; Born: July 2, 1996 in Columbus, OH us ; Draft: Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 38th round of the 2014 ...
[2]
West Jeff: Home of World Series champ - The Columbus Messenger
Jan 26, 2021 · Ferguson was born and raised in the village. He played lots of sports growing up, including football, basketball and baseball, but he wasn't ...
[3]
Caleb Ferguson: The non-prodigy whose success doesn't 'make any ...
Aug 20, 2018 · He had been so bad at baseball in seventh and eighth grade that he rode the bench. His family had long specialized in football, but he convinced ...Missing: childhood | Show results with:childhood
[4]
Yankees' Caleb Ferguson grateful for the guidance that shaped his ...
Apr 12, 2024 · He quit the gridiron as a freshman at West Jefferson High so that he could focus on baseball. When he tried to reboot his football career as a ...Missing: ninth | Show results with:ninth
[5]
Caleb Ferguson on how a yo-yo helped his curveball - MLB.com
Apr 5, 2025 · Caleb Ferguson was given a yo-yo from his pitching coach growing up. West Jefferson, Ohio, is definitely a football town first, but Ferguson was ...Missing: childhood family
[6]
Caleb Ferguson #43 - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball
Caleb Ferguson #43 · Caleb Paul Ferguson · Status: Free Agent · Born: 7/02/1996 in Columbus, OH · Draft: 2014, Los Angeles Dodgers, Round: 38, Overall Pick: ...
[7]
Q and A with 2014 West Virginia Commit: Caleb Ferguson (West ...
Jun 18, 2013 · Caleb Ferguson, LHP, West Jefferson HS, Class of 2014. PBR: Why did you choose West Virginia? Ferguson: I chose WVU because I feel like the ...Missing: career | Show results with:career
[8]
Caleb Ferguson Class of 2014 - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA
West Jefferson. HIGH SCHOOL. Ohio Warhawks TEAM LAST PLAYED. 6-4. 220. HEIGHT/WEIGHT. R/L. BATS/THROWS. 29 and 3 mos. AGE. 17 and 11 mos. Age at 2014 Draft ...Missing: career | Show results with:career
[9]
Dodgers sign 38th-round pick LHP Caleb Ferguson | True Blue LA
Jul 4, 2014 · It is unknown what bonus Ferguson signed for, but the Dodgers only have $46,484 of wiggle room to add to the otherwise $100,000 maximum bonus ...
[10]
Caleb Ferguson Minor Leagues Statistics - Baseball-Reference.com
Position: Relief Pitcher ; Bats: Right • Throws: Left ; Born: July 2, 1996 in Columbus, OH us ; Draft: Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 38th round of the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[11]
Caleb Ferguson Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
Caleb Ferguson Bio · Fullname: Caleb Paul Ferguson · Born: 7/02/1996 in Columbus, OH · Draft: 2014, Los Angeles Dodgers, Round: 38, Overall Pick: 1149 · High ...
[12]
Caleb Ferguson Tommy John surgery - MLB.com
Sep 17, 2020 · Ferguson also had Tommy John surgery as a high school senior in 2014. “Surgery is imminent, and I would expect it to be sometime next week,” ...
[13]
Dodgers News: Caleb Ferguson Undergoes Tommy John Surgery
Sep 23, 2020 · Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Caleb Ferguson announced he underwent Tommy John surgery and is not expected to return until 2022.
[14]
Caleb Ferguson activated, returning from Tommy John surgery
May 16, 2022 · Ferguson was activated from the injured list and returned to action for the first time since Sept. 15, 2020. He recorded one strikeout ...
[15]
Caleb Ferguson traded to Yankees - MLB.com
Feb 5, 2024 · It is the second swap of the offseason between the Yankees and Dodgers, following a Dec. 11 deal that brought left-hander Victor Gonzalez to New ...
[16]
Dodgers trade Caleb Ferguson to Yankees, ink Ryan Brasier - ESPN
Feb 5, 2024 · Trading left-hander Caleb Ferguson to the New York Yankees and agreeing with right-hander Ryan Brasier to a two-year, $9 million contract.
[17]
Yankees Acquire Caleb Ferguson From Dodgers - MLB Trade Rumors
Feb 5, 2024 · Yankees Acquire Caleb Ferguson From Dodgers. February 5th, 2024 at 12 ... I also suspect Doc wanted Ferguson gone and/or Ferguson asked for a ...
[18]
Caleb Ferguson Stats With The Yankees | StatMuse
Caleb Ferguson has a 1-3 record with an ERA of 5.13, 41 strikeouts and 1 save in 42 appearances for the Yankees in his career.Missing: New York
[19]
Yankees trade reliever Caleb Ferguson to the Astros - Pinstripe Alley
Jul 30, 2024 · Ferguson's final line with the Yankees is a 5.13 ERA, 4.27 FIP, and 1.500 WHIP in 33.1 innings (42 games). It wasn't pretty, and over the past ...
[20]
Yankees add second lefty reliever to bullpen in Dodgers trade for ...
Feb 5, 2024 · The Yankees had open 40-man spots after the Juan Soto trade. Ferguson, 27, threw 60 1/3 innings with a 3.43 ERA last year, though his . 266/. ...
[21]
Yankees Trade Caleb Ferguson To Astros
Jul 30, 2024 · The Astros have acquired lefty reliever Caleb Ferguson from the Yankees in exchange for minor league pitcher Kelly Austin and international signing bonus space.
[22]
Astros acquire reliever Caleb Ferguson in trade with Yankees
Aug 4, 2024 · Ferguson, who was solid for the Dodgers for a couple of seasons before being traded to the Yankees this spring for two minor leaguers, is down ...
[23]
Astros trade for Caleb Ferguson - MLB.com
Jul 30, 2024 · Ferguson, 28, had a 5.13 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 33 innings this year in the Yankees' bullpen. He's struck out 41 and walked 15. He had a 3.43 ERA ...
[24]
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=ferguca01&t=p&post=1
[25]
Caleb Ferguson agrees to 1-year, $3 million deal with Pirates - ESPN
Jan 9, 2025 · Jan 9, 2025, 01:02 PM ET ... PITTSBURGH -- Left-hander Caleb Ferguson and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract.
[26]
Caleb Ferguson signs one-year contract with Pirates - MLB.com
Jan 10, 2025 · On Friday, they added a southpaw, signing Caleb Ferguson to a one-year contract. According to sources, the deal is worth $3 million deal.
[27]
Pirates Flip Lefty Reliever Caleb Ferguson - Pittsburgh Baseball Now
Jul 30, 2025 · ... Pirates in 2025. The team signed him to a one-year deal worth $3 million in January. This marks the Pirates' second trade of the day, as ...
[28]
Mariners acquire lefty reliever Ferguson in trade with Pirates
Jul 30, 2025 · TRADE DETAILS ; Mariners receive: LHP Caleb Ferguson ; Pirates receive: RHP Jeter Martinez (Seattle's No. 13 prospect per MLB Pipeline).
[29]
Caleb Ferguson News - RotoWire
The left-hander spent the vast majority of his time with Los Angeles in the bullpen, making 26 relief appearances against three starts. Home runs were a problem ...
[30]
Trade grade: Mariners add lefty bullpen help they need in Caleb ...
Jul 30, 2025 · Ferguson gives Seattle a good weapon vs. lefty hitters, holding them to a .172 batting average and .451 OPS this season.<|control11|><|separator|>
[31]
Caleb Ferguson Career Stats - MLB - ESPN
Complete career MLB stats for the %{teamName} Relief Pitcher Caleb Ferguson on ESPN. Includes games played, hits and home runs per MLB season.Missing: minor 2017 Double- Tulsa Drillers
[32]
L.A. Dodgers Pitcher Caleb Ferguson and Wife Welcome First Baby
May 11, 2023 · Caleb Ferguson and wife Carissa welcomed their first baby, son Brooks, on May 9.Missing: McKenzie 2021
[33]
Congratulations Caleb and Carissa on your wedding! - Facebook
Nov 21, 2021 · Congratulations to our Caleb Ferguson and his wife Carissa! They are expecting their 1st baby! What a beautiful blessing! ⚾️ . Caleb ...Missing: name | Show results with:name
[34]
Dodgers' Caleb Ferguson: Will go on paternity leave - CBS Sports
May 8, 2023 · Ferguson won't be placed on the paternity leave list until Tuesday, so the Dodgers will play a man short Monday. The reliever should be back for ...
[35]
Caleb Ferguson and Wife Carissa Have a Big Announcement
Oct 27, 2022 · When given opportunities, Ferguson knows how to deliver. Caleb Ferguson's wife Carissa announced the two are expecting baby number one!Missing: name | Show results with:name