Pirates give former top prospect last chance in Pittsburgh as Adam Frazier replacement

As the Pirates return home to face the White Sox, Pittsburgh decided to bring up Liover Peguero to fill in the void from the Adam Frazier trade. Peguero was promoted earlier in the season and collected two hits in nine at bats, but was sent right back down.

In the time being, he took a new role in Indianapolis, moving away from an everyday shortstop job and began to play more second base, filling in at corner infield spots, and even trying center field. Peguero has done whatever he can to get his shot in Pittsburgh again.

Now that it is his time once again, the main role he will serve in the big leagues will be off the bench. There is no more Jared Triolo and Frazier has departed, so Peguero will likely see time at every infield position. There are no other infielders on the active roster, aside from the starters, so he should get some time this series against Chicago.

Liover Peguero has been given his final opportunity to stay with the Pirates after promotion.

Peguero has only been given a legitimate starting opportunity in the big leagues once back in 2023 and he put together a 73 wRC+ with a .653 OPS and a 31.5% strikeout rate. After the trade deadline, it's possible the reins are handed to new acquisition Cam Devanney to start at shortstop everyday (given Isiah Kiner-Falefa's likely departure). There is still a possible opening at third base, too, with Ke'Bryan Hayes on the trade market, so this is likely Peguero's last chance to prove himself in the organization.

He had just one minor-league option remaining entering 2025, so this offseason, if Ben Cherington has no intentions of keeping him on the active roster, then he will be DFA'd. It's officially now or never for Peguero.

His Triple-A numbers this season were not that strong, as he posted an 82 wRC+ with five home runs and a .685 OPS. On the bright side, his strikeout rate has fallen to 19.4%, but with the added balls put in play, his hard-hit rate has dropped to 37.2% and his barrel rate is very low at 3.5%.

With how it's all shaping up, this is Peguero's final chance to prove anything. Even though he is just 24 years old, time is running out for him with his lack of remaining options. He should get a fair opportunity now to earn a job for 2026, so it will be interesting to watch his progress or stalling these next few months.