The Pittsburgh Pirates had to make some important decisions regarding their roster on Friday.
Pittsburgh is getting their team ready for the 2025 season, and part of that was making the decision to non-tender three players ahead of the Major League Baseball deadline on Friday. The Pirates decided to non-tender outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, utilityman Connor Joe, and right-handed reliever Hunter Stratton, per MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf, officially parting ways with the three players.
De La Cruz was the big one, as the outfielder was acquired ahead of the 2024 trade deadline from the Miami Marlins to help bolster their lineup. Unfortunately for the Pirates, he struggled once he arrived in Pittsburgh — hitting just .200 with three home runs and 17 RBIs. He had a total of 21 long balls on the campaign.
Joe spent the last two seasons with the Pirates, hitting .228 in his final season with the team while hitting nine home runs and 36 RBIs.
Stratton was a strong part of the Pirates bullpen this season, posting a 3.58 ERA over 36 games. Unfortunately for the reliever, he ruptured a patella tendon back in August which should leave him out of action until midseason.
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The Pirates will look to add to their roster this offseason as the hot stove heats up.
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Featured image via Katie Stratman/Imagn Images