Relief pitchers are always a hot commodity at the annual MLB Winter Meetings. The Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves in the unique position of needing bullpen help while simultaneously carrying a coveted relief trade chip. The "Shark Tank" — the best in baseball in 2015 — suddenly is full of question marks. With incumbent closer and 2015 MLB saves leader Mark Melancon possibly headed to the trading block thanks to a projected $10 million-plus salary, the Pirates figure to be a big player ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates likely to look for starting pitching at Winter Meetings
It's not often that a team finds itself with a hefty 'to-do list' after a 98-win season. But as the 2015 MLB Winter Meetings commence, a mandate to back fill several key positions is exactly what the Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves with. The annual summit of Major League Baseball general managers, player agents and other executives is often a whirlwind of activity. Just one look at a recap from last year's event can be dizzying. Last year, the Pirates did not mimic the overzealous ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates part ways with Pedro Alvarez
The Pittsburgh Pirates have chosen not to tender a contract to first baseman Pedro Alvarez. As part of Major League Baseball's non-tender rules in regards to the arbitration process, Alvarez is now a free agent, free to pursue a contract with any club. In what some were characterizing as a game of chicken between the Pirates and potential trade suitors for Alvarez, the club blinked and chose not to go to arbitration with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2008 MLB Entry Draft. Alvarez has been ... Read More
Who are the reclamation projects the Pirates may sign?
The process may as well be a set schedule by now. December-February: The Pittsburgh Pirates acquire a struggling pitcher with some past success. The acquisition gains little attention nationally; fans give mixed reactions. May: After a few appearances, the pitcher is making a positive impact. Fans are cautiously optimistic. Nay a peep from the national media, though. August: The pitcher is having a great season. He has won the support of the fan base; pitching coach Ray Searage gets ... Read More
Pirates named Baseball America’s Organization of the Year
The Pittsburgh Pirates were named as Baseball America’s 2015 Organization of the Year on Monday. Their ability to put together a 98-win season through a strong core and good free agent signings and trades weighed heavily in their favor, as well as their strong minor league system. The Pirates were praised by Baseball America for the way they found value in building their roster better than most franchises did in 2015, such as the signings of A.J. Burnett and Jung Ho Kang, and the trades for ... Read More
J.A. Happ signs with Toronto
Last year, the Pirates and their fans were hopeful that they'd be able to retain free-agent catcher Russell Martin. Then, Martin went home, as the Canadian signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, creating a hole — at the time — at catcher for the Pirates. This year, the big question was whether or not the Pirates would be able to retain free agent pitcher J.A. Happ, and according numerous reports, the Pirates and Happ had mutual interest in signing a deal to keep the 33-year-old left-handed ... Read More
Pirates set 40-man roster
The Pittsburgh Pirates added four players to their 40-man roster and protected them from Rule 5 draft eligibility on Friday. Top pitching prospect Tyler Glasnow was named to the 40-man roster and will be joined by infielders Josh Bell and Max Moroff, as well as outfielder Harold Ramirez. Glasnow finished the season at the Triple-A level posting a 7-5 record with a 2.39 ERA and 136 strikeouts in 22 minor league starts between Double-A Altoona and Indianapolis. A fifth-round draft pick of ... Read More
Pirates keeping options open with Cervelli
Francisco Cervelli’s future with the Pirates is at a crossroads. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported Thursday that the Pittsburgh was listening to offers on all seven players with one year left on their deal with the club, including the Pirates’ catcher. Heyman also said the Pirates are considering signing Cervelli to an extension. The Pirates appear to be considering all options with Cervelli. And they should. Heyman’s rumor did not specifically address Cervelli’s availability other than ... Read More
Starling Marte wins first Gold Glove Award
There's been talk over the past few years that Starling Marte should move to center field, as he's the superior defender. On Tuesday night, he has the hardware to back it up, as he won his first career Gold Glove Award for his play in left field for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Marte beat out Justin Upton of the San Diego Padres and Christian Yelich of the Miami Marlins to take home the award. Marte's arm was a big reason for winning the award, as he led all National League outfielders with 16 ... Read More
COLUMN: Pirates lose more than a player in bidding for Byung-Ho Park
Jung-Ho Kang, our pick as the 2015 most valuable Pirates player, brought to Pittsburgh an abundance of new fans, new culture and most importantly, new financial opportunity. The Nexen Heroes, Kang’s former team, listed Byung-Ho Park on their posting system on November 2. Not too long after, rumors began to swirl on whether or not Park could adjust to MLB pitching, and what teams were involved in buying the rights negotiate with him. The 29-year-old of Buan County, South Korea is a two-time ... Read More