The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed infielder Tristan Gray off waivers from the Oakland Athletics, the team announced. Gray was originally drafted by the Pirates in the 13th round of the 2017 draft. He was traded the following year in a deal for Corey Dickerson.
Gray has spent 36 plate appearances in the majors across the last two seasons, combining to hit for a .152/.222/.273 line. He spent most of his 2024 season in Triple-A with Miami, where he hit .245/.318/.459 with 17 homers. He later went to Oakland, where he hit .296/.350/.519 across 60 plate appearances in the more hitter friendly Pacific Coast League.
The 28-year-old Gray has spent time across the infield, though this is an area where the Pirates have options. They traded for Billy Cook and Nick Yorke at the deadline this year to boost their upper-level position player depth. They also have Nick Gonzales, Alika Williams, Liover Peguero, and Jared Triolo as infield options.
Gray’s addition gives this group added depth. It’s possible that he’s waived at some point this offseason, with the hopes that he clears waivers and can be outrighted to the minors. If he remains on the 40-man roster, he has two option years remaining.
