De La Cruz was seen as a possible supply of right-handed energy after hitting 19 doubles and 18 residence runs with the Marlins forward of the deadline, however struggled mightily with Pittsburgh. The 27-year-old outfielder admitted in August that he put an excessive amount of stress on himself in his new setting, however didn’t enhance from there. In 44 video games with the Pirates, De La Cruz slashed .200/.220/.294 with three residence runs and 17 RBIs.
The group traded prospects Jun-Seok Shim and Garret Forrester for De La Cruz, each of whom have been ranked within the backend of MLB Pipeline’s rankings of the Pirates’ Prime 30 prospects.
Joe was one of many Pirates’ go-to platoon choices at first base and within the nook outfield spots the previous two years, showing in 123 video games in 2024. Whereas he acquired off to a scorching begin in April in each ’23 and ’24, Joe cooled off and completed with a .228/.320/.368 slash line with 9 residence runs and 36 RBIs this previous season.
Shifting on from Joe and De La Cruz will certainly make the outfield a precedence for the Pirates once more this winter. The group is dedicated to Oneil Cruz taking part in heart area and 2024 All-Star Bryan Reynolds is penciled right into a nook spot, however there’s uncertainty of who the group’s third outfielder could be. The choices presently on the roster are Joshua Palacios, Ji Hwan Bae, Jack Suwinski, Billy Cook dinner, Nick Yorke and Trey Cabbage, who was just lately claimed off waivers.
The group can be non-tendering Stratton, nevertheless it will not be goodbye. The group wish to reunite with the right-hander on a Minor League deal, much like what occurred final offseason.
Stratton was one of many few brilliant spots within the bullpen this 12 months, posting a 3.58 ERA with 33 strikeouts over 37 2/3 innings whereas additionally choosing up his first profession save. He ruptured a patella tendon in his left knee on the finish of August after colliding with the limestone behind residence plate, an damage that required surgical procedure with a 7-10 month restoration window. That might put him in place for a midseason return in 2025.
Strzelecki, 30, allowed three earned runs and struck out 9 in 11 2/3 innings with the Guardians, his third group in two years. He has a five-pitch combine, leaning on his four-seamer, changeup and slider first, whereas additionally mixing in a cutter and sinker. His fastball averaged 92.3 mph final 12 months, and his slider acquired practically 3,000 RPM of spin. He’s out of Minor League choices.
The Pirates’ roster is presently at 36 gamers.
