4 potential non-tender candidates the Pittsburgh Pirates should keep an eye on

Chas McCormick

Chas McCormick had a career year in 2023. After two solid seasons to open his MLB career, he posted career bests in all three triple-slash stats, batting .273/.353/.489 with a .362 wOBA and 133 wRC+ through 457 plate appearances. McCormick fell just one stolen base shy of a 20/20 season, with 22 dingers, a .216 isolated slugging percentage, and 19 stolen bases. He had a respectable 8.8% walk rate, which helped offset a less-than-impressive 25.6% K%. 

On top of that, McCormick had proven to be an outstanding defensive outfielder. From his rookie season in 2021 through 2023, he had +17 defensive runs saved, a +9.3 UZR/150, and +22 outs above average. He rotated between all three outfield positions while providing about league-average level arm strength.

Hopes were obviously high for McCormick in 2024, but he failed to even come close to any of his previous seasons. The outfielder hit a meager .211/.271/.306 with a .257 wOBA and 66 wRC+ in an injury-limited 267 plate appearances. After showing off above-average power in these three prior seasons, McCormick only went yard five times with a .095 isolated slugging percentage. His strikeout rate remained at a relatively similar level at 27%, but his walk rate fell to a career-worst 6.6%.

Of the few positives, McCormick was still a solid defensive outfielder. He had +5 OAA while both is arm strength and average distance covered in his jump did not change from last year. But this wasn’t enough to keep McCormick in the Major Leagues, as he was optioned to Triple-A after the Houston Astros signed Jason Heyward.

Unfortunately, an option to the minor leagues wasn’t the only thing that plagued McCormick this season. He missed a good chunk of May with a hamstring injury, but he returned to action later that month. Then, after getting sent to Triple-A, he suffered a fractured hand. 

MLB Trade Rumors projects McCormick to make $3.3 million in arbitration this off-season. McCormick’s defense remains a strong suit, and given that he can play all three outfield positions with grace, he’d make a solid fourth outfielder at worst. The Pirates could definitely use a consistently good defensive outfielder, and if his bat rebounds, he could become a regular once again.