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Pittsburgh Pirates Make A Flurry Of Roster Moves

By Marty Leap

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 28: Chris Archer #24 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 28, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 28: Chris Archer #24 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 28, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Pirates made a flurry of roster moves on Monday afternoon

Last week, it was reported by Jon Heyman of the MLB Network that the Pittsburgh Pirates planned to pick up the $11.5 million option the team had for center fielder Starling Marte for the 2020 season. On Monday, the Pirates made this move official.

In addition to picking up Marte’s option, the team officially picked up pitcher Chris Archer‘s option for 2020 as well. Archer, who is coming off the worst season of his career, is set to earn $9 million next season. However, this may still prove to be a contract of great value for the Pirates as there is a lot of reason to believe that with a new pitching coach Archer could regain his old form in 2020.

Along with picking up these two options, the Pirates also made multiple moves pertaining to the 40-man roster.

First off, the team activated all of their players that were on the 60-man disabled list. These players were Chad Kuhl, Edgar Santana, Gregory Polanco, Jameson Taillon, Jason Martin, Kyle Crick, and Nick Burdi. This re-added each of these players to the 40-man roster, creating the need to make room on the 40-man roster.

To make room on the 40-man, the team outrighted four players. All four of these players were pitchers. They were Alex McRae, James Marvel, Wei-Chung Wang, and Yefry Ramirez. Each of these pitchers saw MLB action with the Pirates in 2019.

After these moves the Pirates’ 40-man roster currently sits at 39. With players such as Ke’Bryan Hayes and Will Craig needing to be added to the 40-man roster in order to protect them for the Rule 5 Draft, more players will have to come off the roster. Also, space will, obviously, have to be made for any players added this offseason.

Next. The Pirates Should Pursue Yan Gomes. dark

There are plenty of candidates on the Pirates’ 40-man roster to be designated for assignment at some point this offseason. Chris Stratton, Kevin Kramer, Montana DuRapau, Luis Escobar, Sam Howard, and Williams Jerez all come to mind as players who could be DFA’d this offseason.

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