Pirates News: Minor-league signing, Marco Gonzales option, Cody Bellinger free agency

Pittsburgh Pirates v Philadelphia Phillies
Pittsburgh Pirates v Philadelphia Phillies / Rich Schultz/GettyImages

At the onset of a critical offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates have already begun shoring up their minor league depth for next season. According to Francys Romero, the club has re-signed corner infielder Malcom Nuñez to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Nuñez slashed .250/.310/.365 with 11 home runs over 128 games this season with Triple-A Indianapolis. While he has not yet lived up to his potential to be a power-hitting first baseman, he is only 23 years old and still young enough for the Pirates to give him another chance and hope things will click for him in 2025.

Nuñez will report to spring training with the Pirates in February and have the chance to compete for a spot on the Major League roster, but he will likely be headed back to begin the 2024 season where he ended 2025, in Indianapolis.

Pirates reportedly decline club option on Marco Gonzales

File this one under not-at-all surprising offseason updates. According to a report from DK Pittsburgh Sports' José Negron, the Pirates have indeed declined the $15 million club option on Marco Gonzales for the 2025 season.

Gonzales, who made just seven starts for the Pirates after arriving via trade from the Atlanta Braves last offseason, underwent left flexor tendon surgery in September and is expected to miss the majority of his age-33 season in 2025. The veteran southpaw will now become a free agent.

Pirates' division rival Cody Bellinger exercises club option to remain with Cubs for 2025 season

Pirates fans can cross one potential, albeit unrealistic, addition off their offseason watchlist. Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger, who had previously been linked to the Pirates as a potential target in free agency, has exercised his $27.5 million player option to stay in Chicago for the 2025 season.

Admittedly, even if he had decided to opt out after the 2024 season and test free agency once again, Bellinger's price tag would have been too steep for the Pirates. His three-year, $80 million deal with the Cubs last winter does include another opt-out after the 2025 season, but a dominant season with Chicago could drive his price up even further.

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