Pittsburgh Pirates: Non-Tendered Reliever Who Could Be a Cheap, Useful Bullpen Addition
After being non-tendered by the New York Mets, veteran Trevor Gott could be a cheap option to bolster the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen in 2024
As we discussed on the site over the weekend, Friday was the deadline for MLB clubs to tender contracts to players not already under contract for the 2024 season. This led to the Pittsburgh Pirates not tendering a contract to Osvaldo Bido or Hunter Stratton, while also avoiding arbitration with Ryan Borucki.
One player who was non-tendered by another club and could become a free agent target for the Pirates is first baseman Rowdy Tellez. We discussed the potential fit between the Pirates and Telez here. Another player who was non-tendered, is now a free agent, and coudl be a fit with the Pirates is relief pitcher Trevor Gott.
Gott was non-tendered by the New York Mets, making him a free agent. This came after he joined the Mets via trade at the end of June. Prior to the trade, Gott was pitching out of the Seattle Marine bullpen.
The 31-year-old righty had a strong season between Seattle and New York. In 64 relief appearances, he posted a 4.19 ERA and a 3.20 FIP in 58.0 innings pitched. Gott walked 7.3% of batters faced, struck out 23.8% of opposing batters, and allowed just 4 home runs (0.62 HR/9).
Gott's 2023 season joined his 2019 campaign as the best of his career. In 2019, Gott posted a 4.44 ERA and a 3.12 FIP in 52.2 innings pitched across 50 appearances. His 50 appearances and 52.2 innings pitched are both the second highest of his career behind 2023, and in both 2023 and 2019 he posted a 1.0 fWAR.
Wherever Gott lands, it likely will not be on an expensive contract. Last season, he made just $1.2 million. He would likely land a deal worth a similar amount this offseason, which would very much be in the price range of the Pirates. It could also allow the Pirate to bolster their bullpen without allocating a large sum of money that could instead be spent on the starting rotation and/or first base.