The Pittsburgh Pirates had three minor league pitchers declare free agency today and they released another pitcher. Players who were sent outright to the minors at some point this year, or those who already have at least three seasons in the majors, can declare for early free agency.
Buddy Boshers, AJ Schugel and Casey Sadler all opted for early free agency, while the Pirates released Kevin Siegrist, who was placed on the restricted list back in April after he refused to report to Indianapolis.
Boshers was with the Pirates for a short time this season after being picked up off waivers, though he never pitched for them. Schugel was injured for most of this season, while Sadler was the only one who appeared in a game for the Pirates this season. He pitched 4.1 innings over two appearances. All three were dropped from the 40-man roster later in the season, clearing waivers and accepting outright assignments to Indianapolis.
Unlike other minor league free agents for the Pirates, these players are now eligible to negotiate with any of the 30 teams.