The Pittsburgh Pirates made a series of roster moves on Monday, getting their 40-man roster down to 40 while activating all injured players from the 60-day IL. The most notable of the moves was declining the 2025 option for Marco Gonzales.
Gonzales had a $15 million club option with no buyout. He was acquired by the Pirates last offseason, after being salary dumped by the Seattle Mariners to the Atlanta Braves. The Braves flipped him to the Pirates, with Pittsburgh’s total cost for the lefty being $3 million. Gonzales was so available due to forearm issues. He only pitched 33.2 innings for the Pirates due to forearm issues.
Today was the deadline to decide on the option for Gonzales, though the move seemed inevitable with the cost and so much uncertainty around his future.
Injured Players on the Mend
Monday was also the deadline for teams to activate injured players from the 60-day IL. The Pirates reinstated right-handed pitchers Dauri Moreta, Johan Oviedo, and Hunter Stratton, along with catcher/infielder Endy Rodriguez.
Moreta, Oviedo, and Rodriguez all missed the 2024 season with Tommy John surgery. Stratton suffered a ruptured patella tendon toward the end of the 2024 season. The first three should return and provide a boost for the 2025 roster. Stratton could return anywhere from April to July.
Oviedo should be a candidate for the big league rotation, though he might have some restrictions in his first year back from surgery. Moreta should help the bullpen, again with restrictions. Rodriguez was notably listed as a catcher and infielder by the Pirates, and spent time at both spots during his rehab. He could factor in behind the plate and at first base in 2025.
Three Outrighted to Triple-A
The Pirates removed three players from the 40-man roster. Right-handed pitchers Ben Heller, Daulton Jefferies, and Isaac Mattson all were outrighted to the minors after clearing waivers. All three served as depth options out of the bullpen.
After these moves, and the waiver claim of outfielder Trey Cabbage, the Pirates have 38 players on their 40-man roster.
