2 recently non-tendered hitters the Pirates should try to sign

With an offseason full of important MLB dates, a big one just passed on Friday night. That was the non-tender deadline, where teams decide which arbitration-eligible players (under team control) they'll tender contracts to for the 2025 season. The Pirates decided to non-tender three players, making them free agents immediately, and opening up a few roster spots in the process.

This league-wide roster purge opened the door to a handful of new players for the Pirates to examine in an effort to improve the roster. These two non-tendered hitters would be excellent options for the Pirates to consider bringing in.

The Pirates should consider signing these two recently non-tendered bats.

Mike Tauchman, Outfield

After letting go of Connor Joe and Bryan De La Cruz, the Pirates outfield depth took a hit. Surprisingly, though, the Cubs non-tendered Mike Tauchman, who would be a perfect fit for the Pirates. He has been the fourth outfielder for Chicago in back-to-back seasons. He has been above average at the plate in that role, and that is exactly what the Pirates should pick him up to do.

Last year, Tauchman posted a batting average of .248 with seven home runs, driving in 29. His OPS sat at .723, along with a wRC+ of 111 and an fWAR of 1.1. His walk percentage was one of the best in baseball at 13.4% and his strikeout percentage sat at 20%.

His batting run value was average at five, but his most impressive feature at the plate is his discipline. Starting off, his on-base percentage sat at an impressive .357. His chase rate ranked in the 88th percentile at 22.7%. His whiff rate was above average at 22.5%, similar to his strikeout percentage.

The Pirates could definitely find a cheap reliable option in Tauchman, but they shouldn't overplay him. He found success in Chicago when playing in the fourth outfielder spot, which is what the Pirates should acquire him to do.

Brendan Rodgers: Second Base

After Oneil Cruz moved to center field, the Pirates' middle infield depth took a hit. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is incapable of being the starting shortstop, while Nick Gonzales is taking steps in the right direction as a solid middle infield option. Adding another bat that could serve well as a platoon option could be great, especially with the sudden availability of former top prospect Brendan Rodgers, who was just non-tendered by the Rockies.

Although Rodgers has yet to live up to his top prospect hype, but he has been very excellent against left-handed pitching. When facing southpaws in 2024, Rodgers had a .311 batting average with four home runs and 10 driven in. His OPS sat at .818, with a wRC+ of 117 and a strikeout percentage of 20.8%.

In total last season, he posted a batting average of .267 with 13 home runs, driving in 54. His OPS finished at just .721, along with a wRC+ of 88 and a strikeout rate of 24.5%. He hasn't been a great everyday player, but he could make a strong impact in the lineup against left-handed pitching.

Adding a solid right handed stick to the lineup to help the Pirates against left-handed pitching is not a bad idea. Rodgers is a cheap option who could do exactly that.