These former Pirates are still without a job heading into 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a characteristically underwhelming start to free agency, with Andrew McCutchen being the only notable "addition." (We all knew he was coming back, anyway.) There's still some time, but any hope that the Pirates will make any sizable splashes on the free agent market has essentially dissipated; any additional signings will likely be minor ones.

Meanwhile, there are still quite a few former Pirates floating around on the free agent market. A few may have an outside shot at returning to Pittsburgh, but it feels safe to say that the majority are better off seeking new opportunities elsewhere.

These former Pirates are still without a job heading into 2025

Yasmani Grandal (C)

Yasmani Grandal signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Pirates in 2024 and served primarily as Paul Skenes' personal catcher. With the emergence of Joey Bart and the Pirates' depth at the catcher position, it's highly unlikely that Grandal will return to Pittsburgh in 2025. A 36-year-old switch-hitter, he could be a short-term, cost-effective option for a team in need of a backup catcher – especially a team with a relatively young and inexperienced pitching staff who could benefit from a veteran presence behind the plate.

Elias Díaz (C)

Another veteran catcher, Elias Díaz spent the first half of his 10-year Major League career with the Pirates before signing with the Colorado Rockies as a free agent in January 2020. He became a victim of Colorado's youth movement last season, when the Rockies released him during the final year of a three-year, $14.5 million contract. He signed a minor-league contract with the San Diego Padres for the remainder of the 2024 season, but expect him to land with another Major League club in 2025.

Connor Joe (1B/OF)

The Pirates non-tendered Connor Joe in November, allowing him to enter free agency after spending the previous two seasons in Pittsburgh. He slashed .228/.320/.368 with nine home runs and 36 RBI over 416 plate appearances in 2024 while platooning at first base with Rowdy Tellez and making occasional appearances in right field. He was projected to earn $3.2 million in arbitration, which the Pirates couldn't justify spending on a player who would primarily be deployed off the bench. Joe would fit with a club in need of a utility player, specifically a fourth outfielder.

Rowdy Tellez (1B)

Speaking of Tellez, the veteran first baseman made headlines for all the wrong reasons when the Pirates released him from his one-year contract during the final week of the 2024 season, just four plate appearances shy of earning a $200,000 performance bonus. Tellez overcame an abysmal start to the 2024 season to finish with a respectable slash line of .243/.299/.392 with 13 home runs and 56 RBI.

Adam Frazier (2B)

A sixth-round pick by the Pirates in 2013, Adam Frazier became a free agent after his $8.5 million mutual option with the Kansas City Royals was declined. A versatile veteran infielder, Frazier hit .264 last season and spent time at first, second, third, left and right. He could be a solid add to a young team looking for veteran stability, particularly in the infield.

Michael A. Taylor (CF)

The Pirates appreciated Michael A. Taylor's Gold Glove-winning defense in center field last season, but his performance at the plate left much to be desired. Taylor helped train slugging shortstop Oneil Cruz to take over at the center field position, and he is now looking for a new club where he will likely serve as a fourth outfielder.

Daniel Vogelbach (DH)

Daniel Vogelbach, who spent just half a season with the Pirates before getting dealt to the New York Mets at the 2022 trade deadline, experienced a fall from grace when he was released by the Toronto Blue Jays after a horrid start to the 2024 season that saw him slash .186/.278/.300 in 79 plate appearances. Any team in need of a DH could probably get him for very cheap -- potentially on a minor-league contract, if he's interested.

Martín Pérez (SP)

Martín Pérez spent half a season with the Pirates in 2024 before they flipped him to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline. A 13-year MLB veteran and a member of the 2023 World Series champion Texas Rangers, Pérez could be a decent back-of-the-rotation option for teams in need of pitching depth; however, he might be more valuable as a reliever.

Domingo Germán (SP)

The Pirates gave Domingo Germán a second chance in the big leagues last season after a long, controversial journey rife with off-field issues and an eventual flameout with the New York Yankees. While he is likely seeking another Major League contract, it feels safe to assume that the only way he's playing baseball in 2025 is on a minor-league deal.

Jalen Beeks (RP)

The Pirates acquired Jalen Beeks at the 2024 trade deadline to give them more left-handed bullpen depth, which is still a need heading into 2025. Beeks' stint with the Pirates left much to be desired, though admittedly they probably overused and overtaxed him. He is good at limiting hard contact and would likely come at an affordable price for clubs seeking a left-handed middle reliever.

Ryan Borucki (RP)

After being a valuable reliever for the Pirates in 2023, Ryan Borucki spent much of the 2024 season on the injured list. His ERA ballooned up to 7.36 while he was limited to just 11 MLB innings last season, but his 2.45 ERA across 40 innings in 2023 gives hope that he could find a new relief opportunity after a year essentially lost to injury.

Brent Honeywell (RP)

Brent Honeywell joined the Pirates organization on a minor-league contract in February 2024 and started the season with Triple-A Indianapolis. After making a pair of Major League appearances with Pittsburgh, he was placed on waivers and claimed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, with whom he went on to win a World Series title. He became somewhat of a cult hero during Los Angeles' playoff run, and his versatility and ability to eat innings could make him a valuable addition to a big-league bullpen.

Chad Kuhl (RP)

Chad Kuhl, a ninth-round pick by the Pirates in 2013, spent the first five years of his MLB career as a starter with Pittsburgh. He has since transitioned into a bullpen role, most recently pitching to a 5.06 ERA across 53 1/3 innings with the Chicago White Sox in 2024. His versatility and experience as a starter make him a solid reliever and occasional spot starter, as needed.

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