As the Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves virtually out of the National League Wild Card race, they now face decisions on eight players with expiring contracts. Let’s break down who should return and who should part ways with the team.
Pirates Expiring Contracts: The Tough Decisions
Aroldis Chapman: The Cuban Missile
Veteran left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman, signed for $10.5 million in January, has had a mixed season. After Friday’s games, Chapman’s record sits at 5-5 with a 4.18 ERA, 1.446 WHIP, 22 holds, eight saves, and five blown saves. His ERA and WHIP are higher than you’d want from a high-leverage reliever, but his 3.28 FIP suggests some bad luck. While he’s walking batters at a rate of 6.3 per nine innings, he’s also striking out 14.6 per nine—an impressive figure.
Chapman was valuable when David Bednar was temporarily removed from the closer’s role, converting four of five save opportunities. However, his inconsistency has been a problem, and it’s hard to argue the Pirates got $10.5 million worth of pitching from him. If Chapman is willing to take a significant pay cut, he could be worth bringing back, but at a lower price.
Ryan Borucki: A Worthy Gamble
Another left-handed reliever, Ryan Borucki, turned out to be a solid addition for the Pirates in 2023 when he delivered a 2.45 ERA and a league-leading 0.744 WHIP. However, injuries limited him to just 7 2/3 innings in 2024 after signing for $1.6 million. Despite his injury woes this season, Borucki’s 2023 performance leaves room for hope. Giving him another shot, especially on a modest contract, could pay off for the Pirates in 2025.
Pirates Expiring Contracts: The Easy Decisions
Michael A. Taylor: Time to Move On
While center fielder Michael A. Taylor provided strong defense, his bat has been almost non-existent, slashing .191/.249/.285 with just 5 home runs and a dreadful 49 OPS+. Taylor’s mentorship of Oneil Cruz, who moved to center field, has been valuable, but with Cruz thriving in his new role, Taylor’s time in Pittsburgh should come to an end. It’s surprising he’s lasted this long.
Andrew McCutchen: A No-Brainer Return
The Pirates’ decision to trade Andrew McCutchen after the 2017 season seemed like a sign of decline, but since returning in 2022, McCutchen has been one of the team’s most reliable hitters. Currently slashing .238/.337/.428 with 20 home runs and 50 RBIs, McCutchen remains a key player in the Pirates’ lineup. He’s also a fan favorite and has the support of team ownership. It’s almost certain McCutchen will be back in 2025, making his expiring contract a mere formality.
Yasmani Grandal: A Short-Term Fix No Longer Needed
Signed for $2.5 million to provide veteran mentorship for young catcher Henry Davis, Yasmani Grandal has had a subpar year, slashing .219/.290/.378 with 7 home runs and an 85 OPS+. With Joey Bart taking over as the Pirates’ No. 1 catcher and Endy Rodriguez set to return from injury next season, the Pirates have plenty of depth behind the plate. Grandal’s services won’t be needed in 2025.
Marco Gonzales: Bad Timing
Left-handed starter Marco Gonzales had been a workhorse in previous years but has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons. After undergoing surgery for his flexor tendon and UCL, Gonzales won’t be ready to pitch for about 12 months. The Pirates won’t be picking up his $15 million option for 2025, as it’s simply not worth the gamble.
Pirates Expiring Contracts: The In-Between Calls
Rowdy Tellez: A Mixed Bag
First baseman Rowdy Tellez had a roller-coaster season, transforming from one of the Pirates’ most criticized players in May to one of the hottest hitters in June. He’s currently batting .247/.300/.399 with 13 home runs and 54 RBIs. Though his numbers are decent, first base is traditionally a power-hitting position, and the Pirates will need more production there in 2025. However, with no clear replacement in the system and Tellez being a respected team leader, signing him for another year makes sense. A right-handed platoon partner could help the Pirates get more power from the position next season.
Jalen Beeks: A Quiet Success
Acquired at the trade deadline, Jalen Beeks has quietly been one of the Pirates’ better relievers since joining the team, posting a 2.30 ERA. However, his 1.404 WHIP raises some concerns about sustainability. Beeks had a career 4.38 ERA before 2024, so it’s fair to wonder if his recent success is a fluke. That said, his pitches have looked sharp, and bringing him back on a reasonable deal could provide solid bullpen depth.
This assessment of the Pirates’ expiring contracts sheds light on who should stay and who should go as the team looks toward 2025. Some decisions, like bringing back McCutchen, are easy, while others, such as Chapman and Tellez, require more careful consideration.
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