Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Players Who Could Be Traded This Offseason
Could these three players be traded away by the Pirates this offseason?
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As the Pittsburgh Pirates look to make room on their 40-man roster, these three players could be used as trade bait in one fashion or another this offseason
Every offseason rosters across baseball undergo changes. Between players becoming free agents, trades, players needing to be protected from the Rule 5 Draft, and players being selected in the Rule 5 Draft, roster change is a constant in the offseason.
For the Pittsburgh Pirates, there will be moves made. This should be an active offseason for the Bucs as they *hopefully* look to compete in 2024. Additionally, there are players who will need to be protected from the Rule 5 Draft.
Right now, the Pirate 40-man roster projects to have 44 players once free agents to be officially become free agents, and players on the 60-day injured list are activated. Due to this, there will need to be multiple 40-man roster related moves made this offseason.
So, which players could come off the 40-man roster? Well, today, we will take a look at three players who the Pirates could trade away this offseason. These trades could be to free up 40-man roster space, or a trade made to acquire a player to improve the team's roster. Regardless, these three players could be moved this offseason.
Infielder Nick Gonzales
Nick Gonzales was selected 7th overall by the Pirates in the 2002 MLB Draft. He was the first player drafted by Ben Cherington as general manager of the Pirates. However, his future in Pittsburgh is a big debate.
The Pirate 40-man roster is filled with middle infielders. Oneil Cruz is set to return next season and will be the team's starting shortstop. At second base, Liover Peguero and Jared Triolo both appear to be ahead of Gonzales.
Last season, Gonzales had 128 plate appearances in 35 games. In his first taste of MLB action he hit for a .209/.268/.348 slash line with a 64 wRC+, 67 OPS+, and a .139 isolated slugging (ISO). He walked at just a 4.7% clip while striking out in 28.1% of his trips to the plate.
While Gonzales had some struggles in his first taste of MLB pitching, he is a former top-10 pick who can play second base, third base, and shortstop. He has plus power potential and flashed some good things in the majors this season. With an uncertian future in Pittsburgh for Gonzales, using him as a trade piece could make sense. He is a player who could potentially help net bullpen help on the trade market, or perhaps a young starting pitching prospect.
Outfielder/first baseman Miguel Andújar
After starting the year in the minors, Miguel Andújar joined the Pirates in April. However, after struggling mightily he was sent back to the minor leagues where Andújar spent the majority of the season. Then in September, he re-joined the Pirates and put together a great month.
After re-joining the Pirates in September, Andújar hit for a .302/.351/.528 slash line with a 134 wRC+, 7.0% walk rate, 14.0% strikeout rate, and a .226 ISO in 57 PAs. This strong finish led to Andújar posting a .250/.300/.476 slash line with a 105 wRC+, .226 ISO, and a 108 OPS+ in 84 MLB PAs for the season.
Andújar enters the offseason out of minor league options. This was the case last season, which led to him being designated for assignment. Due to his struggles last season, he went unclaimed and remained with the Pirates.
Following a strong close to the season it is not a given that Andújar would sruvive being DFA'd again. Due to this, he could be a player that the Pirates look to trade this offseason. Even if he nets a minor return, that is better than DFA'ing him and risking losing him for nothing in return. If the Pirates do not see a place on the 2024 Opening Day roster for Andújar, then he could be traded this offseason.
First baseman/outfielder Connor Joe
This one may be a bit of a surprise to some. However, with the Pirates likely looking to add a full-time first baseman this offseason and Joshua Palacios putting a strong down payment on the team's fourth outfielder role, especially with his ability to play center field, it could leave Connor Joe without a spot on the roster.
While Joe may not have a spot on the Pirate roster in 2024, he is more than good enough to have a role in the majors. Last season, Joe hit .247/.339/.421 with a .174 ISO, 107 wRC+, and a 107 OPS+. Those ar eabove league average numbers.
Joe is a patient hitter who gets on base at a high clip and has sneaky pop. He is especially strong against left-handed pitching. A team in need of a right-handed platoon bat would be interested in Joe. Due to this, he is a player the Pirates could look to move this offseason as he may not have a spot on the Pirate roster in 2024.
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