3 players Pirates might non-tender ahead of MLB deadline

The MLB offseason is full of important dates, and a key deadline is quickly approaching. Next week on Nov. 22, the non-tender deadline will occur. This specific event is for pre-arbitration and arbitration players with less than six years of service time. Teams can tender the players contracts, ensuring their return, or non-tender them, making them free agents immediately and saving the money associated with their deals.

On the Pirates roster, there are three players that stand out as real possible non-tender candidates. Let's take a look at three players that are could be non-tendered in just a few days.

3 Pirates who are non-tender candidates in 2024

Connor Joe : First Base

The first guy that is likely to get non-tendered is Connor Joe. He has had two seasons in Pittsburgh, but has yet to really emerge as a starter. Joe performed above-average in April and May, but after that, he played terribly. His inconsistencies at the plate happened in 2023 as well, and that is not something the Pirates should invest in.

Joe finished the 2024 season with a batting average of .228 with nine home runs, driving in 36. His OPS sat at .688, along with a wRC+ of 92 and a strikeout percentage of 21.9%. For someone the Pirates relied on last season for important reps, these numbers are not great, which is why he should be non-tendered.

Bryan De La Cruz : Outfield

The excitement when the Pirates acquired Bryan De La Cruz was real, as they were competing for a playoff spot. Buying a right-handed hitter with 18 home runs really made it feel like they were getting a legitimate bat to add to the lineup, but as soon as he joined the Pirates, his performance went downhill fast.

In his time with the Pirates, De La Cruz had a .200 batting average with three home runs and drove in 17 runs. His OPS was .514, on top of a poor wRC+ of 37 and a strikeout percentage of 31%. This was a very disappointing pickup, but he does have a negative fWAR in his career, so perhaps we should've seen it coming. This will likely result in De La Cruz being non-tendered so the Pirates can save money at the margins.

Alika Williams : Shortstop

The Pirates' main backup infielder for the last two seasons has been Alika Williams. In his short major league career, he has been among one of the worst hitters in the league. Jared Triolo's Gold Glove win gives him a better shot at making the Pirates roster over Williams with the same role.

So far in Williams' career, he has a .202 batting average with 11 runs driven in and an OPS of .529. His wRC+ of 44 and strikeout percentage of 27.4% are both extremely poor. His poor offensive production has made him a negative fWAR player, and other players on the current roster play the same role that he does, but better.

These three players have not been great in the roles they've been given on the team. Joe, De La Cruz, and Williams are each players that could become free agents in a week when the deadline passes.