Bubble Players Who Are Out of Options for Pirates
Entering this offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ main needs are expected to be at first base, right field, and possibly shortstop.
Aside from addressing those needs outside the organization, there are remaining spots that will be decided upon during competition in spring training. There are always players who are out of options trying to break the team out of camp. Here are the players that fall into that category for the Pirates.
Joey Wentz
After reaching the big leagues in a starter capacity, Joey Wentz made the transition to full-time reliever with the Detroit Tigers this year.
The 27-year-old southpaw had a rough time in the Tigers’ bullpen, as he posted a 5.37 ERA, along with a 1.57 WHIP, in 38 appearances.
Pittsburgh claimed Wentz off waivers from the Tigers in early September.
Although it was a small sample size, in 12 innings, Wentz pitched very well for the Pirates, with an ERA of 1.50.
Wentz will look to compete in spring, as a lefty arm trying to find a role, within Pittsburgh’s middle relief.
Joshua Palacios
In 2023, Joshua Palacios became one of the most surprising developments in the Pirates’ organization.
Playing for AAA Indianapolis, Palacios went bonkers, as he slashed .437/.500/.774, before earning a call up to Pittsburgh in May.
While with the Pirates, the numbers were subpar, for Palacios, with a line of .239/.279/.413, in 264 plate appearances. He did display some pop in the bat hitting 10 homers.
2024 was somewhat of a lost year for Palacios due to injuries. He appeared in 23 games with the Bucs, slashing .224/.333/.343.
Palacios plays with a ton of energy, and provides a good clubhouse presence. When healthy, he’s shown decent flashes, to be a fourth outfield type, which is what he’ll be competing for in March.
Liover Peguero
As the headliner of the Starling Marte trade in 2020, Liover Peguero has yet to fully establish himself as a vital piece of the Pirates’ plans.
Peguero was given an opportunity to be Pittsburgh’s everyday shortstop, this after Oneil Cruz was recovering from a fractured fibula in 2023. The young, middle infielder wasn’t able to capitalize on the chance, as he posted a batting line of just .237/.280/.374. Defensively at short, he a -3 Defensive Runs Saved and a -1 Outs Above Average.
This past season, Peguero spent much of his time as an Indianapolis Indian, where he didn’t post the strongest offensive numbers, putting up a .729 OPS, in 555 plate appearances.
Out of all players on the Pirates’ 40-man looking to make the Opening Day roster, Peguero will have the biggest chip on his shoulder. It wasn’t long ago that he was the top shortstop prospect in the Pirates’ system.
It’s curious how the Bucs will address the shortstop position heading into 2025. With Cruz moving to center field, Isaiah Kiner-Falefa got some run there, although I feel he’s best suited in a super utility role. Unless Ben Cherington obtains another veteran to play at short, then perhaps Peguero could be given one final opportunity to win the job.
Peter Strzelecki
The most recent addition to the Pirates’ organization is Peter Strzelecki, who the team acquired from the Cleveland Guardians on Friday for cash considerations.
Strzelecki had been with the Milwaukee Brewers to enter 2024, but was dealt to the Guardians around Opening Day, in a cash swap.
Most of Strzelecki’s time this season was spent with AAA Columbus, posting a 5.01 ERA and a FIP of 3.51.
In parts of three big league seasons, Strzelecki has done pretty good work, with a 3.44 ERA, as well as a 3.2 BB/9 and a 9.3 K/9.
As I mentioned earlier with Joey Wentz, Strzelecki is another out of options reliever, who could try to grab a spot in the Pirates’ middle relief group.