Even though the Pittsburgh Pirates didn’t make the playoff this season a lot of former team members are fighting for a World Series ring.
The Pittsburgh Pirates finished the year 75-87 coming up short of a berth in the postseason. Though several former players from other Pirates teams are on the roster of teams in the tournament. Note these are players on the active roster for the 2017 playoffs.
American League
The first ex-Pirate is Houston Astros pitcher Charlie Morton. Ground Chuck as he was dubbed pitched for the Pirates from 2009-2015. He started 20 games or more four times during his time in Pittsburgh. He was then traded to Philadelphia. After the 2016 season he signed with Houston.
In 2017 Morton has started 25 games and is 14-7 with a 3.62 era. This is a career best in wins total and the second lowest season era in his career. Showcasing how Morton can be a capable starter for a good team.
The second team with former Buccos is the Boston Red Sox. Infielder Brock Holt and outfielder Rajai Davis have spots on the team. Holt played for Pittsburgh in 2012 hitting .292 with no homers and three RBI in 24 games. During the 2012 offseason, he was dealt to Boston for Mark Melancon.
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Holt struggled during his first year in Boston, but has progressed pretty well since. This season has been a struggle though as he is hitting .200 with no homers and seven RBI in 64 games played.
Davis wore black and gold during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. He failed to impress upon initial call-up. During the 2007 season, Davis hit .271 with no homers and two rbi in a short stay with the Pirates, prior to leaving for San Francisco. Since then Davis has also made stops in Oakland, Toronto, Detroit, and Cleveland. He returned to Oakland this year before being traded in late August to Boston.
In 17 games with the Red Sox he is hitting .250 with no homers and two rbi.
National League
Chicago is the new home of former Pirates reliever Justin Wilson. Wilson was one of the bigger names in the Pirates bullpen from 2012-2014. He was then flipped to The New York Yankees for Francisco Cervelli. After a year he was moved to Detroit in a trade. Wilson was traded again on deadline day this season to the Chicago Cubs.
In 23 games Wilson has a 5.09 ERA, which is higher than the 2.68 he was sporting for Detroit at the time of the deal.
Tony Watson is suiting up in Dodger Blue this postseason. Watson left Pittsburgh via a trade this season after being moved from the primary closer role. He has appeared in 24 games for LA with a 2.70 ERA in 20 innings. He has no saves in one attempt after recording 10 of 17 saves in Pittsburgh.
Oliver Perez is with the Washington Nationals. Perez pitched for Pittsburgh from 2003-2006. Then he went to four other teams before landing in DC. He is used as a reliever and has a 4.64 ERA in 50 games pitched this season.
Most of the aren’t major contributors to their new teams. However, they each have a chance at a ring this year. Something the Pirates don’t have.,