Former Pirates outfielder calls out front office over Rowdy Tellez decision

The Pittsburgh Pirates, who have long been out of playoff contention, raised eyebrows Tuesday with their decision to designate first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment when he was just four plate appearances shy of earning a $200,000 bonus.

The 29-year-old's contract, signed during the offseason, was structured with several performance-based incentives, to include a $200,000 payout for reaching 425 plate appearances, with additional bonuses tied to milestones of 475, 525 and 575 plate appearances.

However, with likely just one game needed to cross the 425-plate appearance threshold, the Pirates cut Tellez’s season short at 421. What's worse, the decision was depressingly on-brand for an organization that will do whatever it can to avoid spending.

Former Pirates outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba calls out front office over Rowdy Tellez decision

Canaan Smith-Njigba, a former Pirates outfielder who now plays in the Chicago White Sox organization, took to social media to express his disapproval of the club's actions Tuesday. As fans and media members alike blasted the timing of Pittsburgh's decision to DFA Tellez, Smith-Njigba simply posted on X, "They couldn't give Rowdy 4 more at bats?"

It's a simple sentiment, but it speaks volumes coming from a former player in the organization – particularly Smith-Njigba, who understands better than most what it feels like to get jerked around and denied opportunities by the Pirates' front office.

Pittsburgh originally acquired Smith-Njigba in the 2021 trade that sent Jameson Taillon to the New York Yankees, but they designated him for assignment during this past offseason to open up a roster spot for free-agent reliever Aroldis Chapman. The Seattle Mariners claimed him off waivers during that time, but only kept him for about two weeks before bumping him from their roster to make room for right-handed pitcher Levi Stoudt.

The Pirates proceeded to claim Smith-Njigba off waivers from Seattle in February, bringing him back into the fold yet again. He started the 2024 season with Triple-A Indianapolis, where he slashed .212/.344/.330 with two home runs, 18 RBI, six stolen bases and 26 runs over 54 games until the Pirates released him in July.

Once a well-regarded prospect in the Pirates organization, Smith-Njigba was placed at a significant disadvantage, as he had no choice but to enter free agency in the middle of the season. He ultimately signed a minor league contract with the White Sox in August and appeared in 24 games split between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte.

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