Pirates release infielder they picked up from Yankees in middle of 2024 season

The start of September may mean expanded MLB rosters, but the Pittsburgh Pirates made an under-the-radar subtraction Monday with the release of infielder/outfielder Jose Rojas.

Rojas signed a minor league deal with the Pirates in July and appeared in just 15 games for Triple-A Indianapolis. He slashed .192/.288/.423 with three home runs over 59 plate appearances, recording a 20.3% strikeout rate and an 11.9% walk rate.

Before signing with the Pirates, Rojas began the 2024 campaign on a minor league deal with the New York Yankees. He slashed .254/.359/.561 in 67 games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before being released July 14. Before landing with the Yankees, Rojas spent the 2023 season in Korea, where he slashed .253/.345/.474 in 122 games for the KBO's Doosan Bears.

Following release from Pirates, Jose Rojas will test free agency in search of next MLB opportunity

Rojas has 83 games of Major League experience, all of which came from 2021-22 with the Los Angeles Angels. Rojas can provide defensive versatility, as he has played all of the non-shortstop infield positions as well as the outfield corners in his career, but he is hindered by a career slash line of  .188/.245/.339 at the MLB level. Pittsburgh acquired a more offensively gifted super utility player at the trade deadline in Isiah Kiner-Falefa and optioned infielder/outfielder Ji Hwan Bae back to Triple-A Indianapolis last month, both moves that made Rojas somewhat redundant in the Pirates' system.

After his release from the Pirates, Rojas is eligible to test the open market for his next opportunity, but the timing is not ideal. Since he was released in September, Rojas will not be eligible to play in the postseason for any potential new club he signs with. His relative success in the minor leagues may attract interest, but teams not in playoff contention may want to prioritize giving more playing opportunities to younger, developing players.

Rojas could be an asset for a team in need. However, as he looks for a new opportunity before the end of the season, the timing of his release and his inconsistent track record may be his undoing.

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