Pirates DFA Colin Holderman, Dauri Moreta, Two Others
The Pittsburgh Pirates designated four players for assignment — right-handed relievers Colin Holderman and Dauri Moreta and outfielders Alexander Canario and Ronny Simon.
Holderman once looked poised to be a key part of the Pirates’ bullpen but fell on hard times of late. The right-hander got off to a dominant start in 2024 with a 0.68 ERA through his first 28 appearances on the season before posting a 5.84 ERA in 27 appearances to end the year.
Holderman’s struggles carried over into the 2025 season, where he endured injuries and a stint in the minor leagues in an attempt to get him back on track. The 30-year-old went 0-2 with a 7.01 ERA this past season in 24 appearances out of the Pirates’ bullpen.
Moreta, meanwhile, returned to the mound after undergoing Tommy John surgery during spring training in 2024. It was a successful return for the 29-year-old, who went 1-1 with a 3.24 ERA in 18 appearances.
In his first season with the Pirates in 2023, Moreta went 5-2 with a 3.72 ERA and struck out 76 batters in 58 innings across 55 relief appearances.
The Pirates added Canario to the roster from the New York Mets early on in the 2025 season and he remained with Pittsburgh through the end of the year. He totaled 87 games in his lone season with the Pirates and slashed .218/.274/.338 with six doubles, a triple, six home runs and 20 RBI. He split time between all three outfield positions.
Simon played in eight games with the Pirates prior to suffering a season-ending dislocated shoulder in a game against the Boston Red Sox at the end of August. Pittsburgh claimed Simon off waivers from the Miami Marlins on June 2 and stashed him at Triple-A Indianapolis for most of the season.
Additionally, infielder Cam Devanney was released to pursue an opportunity overseas. Devanney, who was acquired from the Kansas City Royals for Adam Frazier, had five hits in 36 at-bats with the Pirates.
The moves were made to make room for six prospects on the 40-man roster — right-handers, Brandan Bidois, Wilber Dotel and Antwone Kelly, left-hander Tyler Samaniego, outfielder/first baseman Esmerlyn Valdez and infielder Jack Brannigan.
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I like who they protected(was a little surprised about Samaniego and Brannigan), but I don’t get cutting Moreta and keeping Suwinski. They are going to have to cut more, because I think the roster is full. So there is no room to acquire a FA or trade acquisitions if they are 2 for 1.
I’m sure they aren’t done yet. Many more months until the season starts
Releasing Canario should have been done long ago. Moreta and Holderman may still be able to resurrect their careers elsewhere, but they’ve had ample opportunities to excel. The guys protected all needed to be saved, since they all have a bigger upside. Simon should never have been on the big league roster in the first place.