Pittsburgh Pirates: Four Players Who Won't Return in 2024

These four players may be in the majors in 2024, but it won't be with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Aug 30, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Vinny Capra (71) bats
Aug 30, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Vinny Capra (71) bats / Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
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First baseman Alfonso Rivas

The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Alfonso Rivas from the San Diego Padres as part of the Rich Hill/Ji-Man Choi trade. Rivas was acquired for one reason, to help at first base for the remainder of the 2023 season.

Well, the 2023 season is now over. Combine this with first base likely being the biggest offseason target for the Pirates other than starting pitching, and Rivas has served his purpose. He has likely run his course in Pittsburgh.

In 459 career PAs in the majors with the Cubs, Padres, and Pirates, Rivas has hit for just a .243/.324/.349 slash line with a wRC+ of 90. Numbers that are below league average and easy to replace.

With the Pirates, the left-handed hitting Rivas had 106 PAs. In these 106 PAs he hit for a .234/.305/.436 slash line with a 97 wRC+. So, slightly better numbers than his career stats but still below league average.

Assuming the Pirates add a first baseman this offseason then there is no longer a need for Rivas on the roster. Even if that does not happen, the Pirates would be better served giving those first base PAs to Jared Triolo in 2024 than Rivas.