Pittsburgh Pirates: Players Most Likely to Come Off the 40-Man Roster Before Opening Day

Outfielder Ryan Vilade

Don't worry, it's ok to admit you either did not realize or forgot that Ryan Vilade is even on the Pirate 40-man roster. The 24-year-old outfielder was claimed off waivers by the Pirates on November 9th after he was designated for assignment by the Colorado Rockies.

The right-handed hitting outfielder has seemingly been the frontrunner to be taken off the 40-man roster with each addition the Pirates made this offseason. However, here we are, a week into spring training and Vilade remains on the 40-man roster.

Vilade made his MLB debut with the Rockies in September of 2021. He had 7 plate appearances with the Rockies, going 0-for-6 with a walk and a strikeout. He then spent the entire 2022 season at the Triple-A level.

With the Albuquerque Isotopes last season Vilade had 430 PAs in 99 games played. Vilade hit for a .249/.345/.352 slash line and a wRC+ of just 80 with the Isotopes. However, he did walk at a 12.1% rate while striking out at just a 16.0% clip.

Again, it is a bit of a surprise that Vilade has made it this long remaining on the team's 40-man roster. Whenever the Pirates go to clear a 40-man roster spot or two before Opening Day, Vilade's name has to be at the top of the list of players likely to be DFA'd.