Pirates Non-Tender Three Players, Acquire Reliever From Guardians

Friday marked the deadline to tender contracts to necessary players, and the Pittsburgh Pirates non-tendered three players.

The Pirates decided not to tender contracts to a pair of players set for salary arbitration — infielder/outfielder Connor Joe and outfielder Bryan De La Cruz. Joe was projected to earn $3.2 million through arbitration, De La Cruz was projected to make $4 million.

Joe carved out a significant role with the Pirates over the last two seasons after he was acquired from the Colorado Rockies in the 2022-23 offseason. In 256 games with the Pirates, Joe slashed .238/.330/.396 with 53 doubles, five triples, 20 home runs and 78 RBIs.

The 32-year-old provided the Pirates with some desired versatility, appearing in games at first base and both corner outfield spots.

De La Cruz, meanwhile, was acquired by the Pirates at this year’s trade deadline in hopes he would anchor an outfield spot for the foreseeable future. The trade turned out to be a regrettable one for Ben Cherington and the front office, however.

Known for his power, De La Cruz slugged only three home runs in 44 games with the Pirates after the trade. He slashed .200/.220/.294 and drove in 17 runs after joining Pittsburgh.

The Pirates also did not tender a contract to reliever Hunter Stratton. The right-hander appeared in 36 games this season with the Pirates prior to suffering a season-ending left patella tendon injury towards the end of August.

Across 37.2 innings, Stratton went 2-1 with a 3.58 ERA and one save. He struck out 33 batters and walked seven while opponents compiled a .676 OPS. Stratton made his MLB debut last season and appeared in eight games.

Additionally, the Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Peter Strzelecki from the Cleveland Guardians for cash considerations. Strzelecki, 30, has totaled 77 relief appearances over the past three seasons between the Guardians, Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers. For his career, he’s gone 5-6 with a 3.44 ERA with one save and 86 strikeouts in 83.2 innings.

The 40-man roster now consists of 36 players.