Rum Bunter
FanSided

4 players with options the Pittsburgh Pirates should monitor

There are some players with options that could hit free agency at the start of the offseason, and they should be names the Pirates consider pursuing.

ByNoah Wright|
Jul 30, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles first base Ryan O'Hearn (32) reacts after hitting a two run single against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Jul 30, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles first base Ryan O'Hearn (32) reacts after hitting a two run single against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
4 of 4

Andrew Chafin

If the Mets' decision over Maton is up in the air because of how strong his ending to the season was, then Chafin's team option is up in the air because of how poorly he ended 2024. Chafin signed with the Detroit Tigers last offseason after splitting 2023 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers, and he was a quality left-handed bullpen arm for the Tigs to start the year. 

He owned a 3.16 ERA, 2.55 FIP, and 1.38 WHIP heading into the trade deadline. Chafin struck out over 30% of his opponents with a 30.9% K%, and only allowed home runs at an 0.49-per-9 rate. His 9.9% walk rate wasn't great, but overall, he had a strong season up to this particular breaking point. Considering he only allowed a 6.3% barrel rate but a .355 batting average on balls in play, Chafin had the potential to be even better.

But the second half of the season did not go as planned. Chafin was traded to the Texas Rangers, but fell apart down the stretch. He pitched 19.1 more innings, working to the tune of a 4.19 ERA, 5.33 FIP, and 1.66 WHIP. His strikeout rate fell to 23.8%, while his HR/9 rose to 1.40. Far more worrisome was his walk rate jumping through the roof. He dished out a free pass to a whopping 17.9% of opponents while in a Rangers uniform.

One of the few positives is that he continued to induce weak contact. Chafin induced an average exit velocity of 86.1 MPH with a 6.1% barrel rate. His BABIP returned to a much more sustainable .304 rate, but aside from that, Chafin's time with the Rangers this year did not go very well.

Now, the Rangers face a similar dilemma to the Mets' Maton issue. Do they pick up Chafin's option (which is worth $6.5 million) and bet on his good half season, or do they buy him out for $500K? Pirates fans should definitely keep an eye on this one. The Bucs only have one left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster (Joey Wentz). Chafin would be an intriguing lefty for the team to pursue if the Rangers end up buying him out.

Home/Pirates Rumors

Schedule