Pirates News: MLBPA lawsuit update, PiratesFest details announced, pitcher added to 40-man

The Pittsburgh Pirates have no shortage of problems to address before the start of the 2025 season, but at least a lawsuit is no longer one of them.

The MLB Players Association, which sued the Pirates back in August for unlicensed use of players' names and images on social media as part of the rollout of the team's jersey ad campaign with convenience store Sheetz, has officially withdrawn the lawsuit demanding an injunction against the team (and Sheetz), in addition to damages. A verbal agreement was reached shortly after the suit was filed, and the MLBPA filed a notice of voluntary dismissal Dec. 23.

PiratesFest details announced, including new (old) location and expanded schedule

After being held at PNC Park as a one-day event for the last few years, PiratesFest is returning to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh and expanding to a full weekend, taking place from Jan. 18-19. The annual event – which is free to the public, but requires ticket reservations in advance – includes autograph sessions and meet and greets with Pirates players and alumni, interactive games and activities, Q&A sessions with management and much more.

While the event is aimed at providing fun for the whole family, it won't be without its drama this year. PiratesFest also marks the next planned activation by the "Our Team, Not His" movement, a grassroots campaign started by a group of frustrated Pirates fans aimed at pressuring owner and chairman Bob Nutting to sell the team after years of mediocrity. The group's website urges fans to "show up in a big way and let this organization know how we feel," adding that more details about a planned protest are still in the works.

Pirates add righty reliever Elvis Alvarado to 40-man roster to bolster bullpen depth

After signing him to a Major League split contract during last month's Winter Meetings, the Pirates have added 25-year-old right-hander Elvis Alvarado to their 40-man roster. The converted outfielder, who has yet to make his MLB debut, spent the 2024 season in the Miami Marlins farm system, where he went 3-4 with a 2.79 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 11 saves in 48 1/3 innings at Triple-A Jacksonville. He had a 33.2% strikeout rate, recording 71 strikeouts against 38 walks, and allowed only two home runs.

Alvarado boasts a 98 MPH fastball and adds some needed depth to a Pirates bullpen that underperformed last season, finishing 27th out of 30 in total ERA (4.49). Pittsburgh's 40-man roster is now at 38.

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