The Pirates are close to a deal with left-handed starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez, according to CBSSports.com baseball insider Jon Heyman.

Heyman also reports that the 30-year-old Sanchez has worked on his mechanics all winter after his subpar 2012 season.

Sanchez made 12 starts for the Royals in 2012, going 1-6 with a 7.76 ERA, 2.04 WHIP, 36 strikeouts and 44 walks in 53 1/3 innings.