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New position players claim their numbers
On December 1st, the Pirates signed catcher Ali Sánchez two a split MLB contract for the 2024 season. Sánchez has just 14 plate appearances in his MLB career and has not played in the majors since 2021. He'll compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster this spring while wearing number 14.
Sticking with catcher, the Pirates added veteran Yasmani Grandal just ahead of spring training with the singing becoming official on February 14th when pitchers and catchers reported to spring training. Grandal will be looked upon to mentor young Pirate catchers Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez in 2024, but could also compete for a starting job.
While Grandal is coming off a down season the final season of a 4-year deal with the Chicago White Sox, he has still been one of the best catchers in baseball dating back to 2012. At worst, Grandal should be a very good backup to Davis with his plus pitch framing skills, leadership, and ability to handle a pitching staff. Grandal will wear number 6 this season.
In December, the Pirates acquired outfielder Edward Olivares from the Kansas City Royals. The right-handed hitting Olivares flashed some good things in a limited role with the Royals last season, posting a .452 slugging percentage .189 isolated slugging (ISO), and just a 16.6% strikeout rate. At worst, Olivares should be a good platoon hitter for the Pirates as he makes starts against left-handed pitching while wearing number 38.
Finally, there is first baseman Rowdy Tellez. Tellez could also factor into the equation at designated hitter. The left-handed slugger signed with the Bucs on December 15th. Unfortunately, he is coming off the worst season of this career in which he posted a .376 slugging, .161 ISO, and a 24.5% strikeout rate.
All signs point toward Tellez platooning at first base with Connor Joe when the season begins. If Telelz can find his pre-2023 offensive self that would be a huge boost for the Bucs. He'll look for this boucne back while wearing number 44.