Dugan Darnell
Position: RHP
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 205 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/R
Born: 6/26/1997
College: Adrian College
Signed: Non-drafted free agent, 2021 (Rockies)
How Acquired: Waiver Claim (from Rockies)
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Eligible
Minor League Free Agency: 2027
Options Left: 3
Overview
Darnell pitched his only collegiate season at Division III Adrian College in 2019. He appeared in 20 games in relief while also playing third base. He allowed only six hits and one earned run in 23 innings, and struck out 37. He did walk 15. Dugan wasn’t drafted and played independent ball later in 2019, then also in 2020. In the latter season, he had an ERA of 0.31 and 52 strikeouts in 28.2 IP.
Colorado signed Dugan before the 2021 season. His fastball averages about 94 mph and he often throws both a slider and splitter. As a pro he’s generally had high K rates and variable walk rates. He’s been strictly a reliever. The Pirates claimed him off waivers from the Rockies after the 2025 season.
2021-24
Darnell got off to a good start with the Rockies in 2021. After eight strong games in low A, they sent him to high A and he put up a 2.38 ERA in 36 games. He allowed just 27 hits and ten walks in 41.2 IP, while striking out 63. He had a lot more trouble the next year in AA, getting hit harder, including a home run nearly every five innings. He also had a 6.2 BB/9. His K/9 remained very good, at 12.8. His ERA was 5.29.
The Rockies sent Darnell back to AA in 2023 and he was much better, with a 1.55 ERA in 23 games. He had a 1.17 WHIP and 12.7 K/9. After a promotion to AAA, Darnell struggled, with a 6.04 ERA and 1.58 WHIP. His K/9 dropped to 8.5. He went back to AAA in 2024 and continued to struggle, posting a 5.58 ERA and 1.69 WHIP, although he got his K/9 back up to 11.2.
2025
In 2025, Darnell did much better in AAA, putting up a 3.19 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. His K/9 was 10.6. The Rockies called him up at the beginning of August and he got into nine games. In 11.2 IP, he gave up ten hits and seven walks, striking out five. Later in August he went on the injured list with a hip problem and eventually had surgery for a torn labrum. The Pirates claimed Darnell off waivers at the end of October, then designated him for assignment a week later. He probably won’t be available until sometime in mid-2026.
Stats
Transactions
February 6, 2021: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Colorado Rockies.
August 1, 2025: Contract purchased by the Colorado Rockies.
October 31, 2025: Claimed off waivers from the Colorado Rockies by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
November 6, 2025: Designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates.