November 4th was the day when eligible players could file for free agency.
The Pittsburgh Pirates had 22 players who filed for minor league free agency on Monday. Most of the group spent their time with Indianapolis or Altoona.
In most cases, players who signed their first minor league deal in 2018 would be eligible this offseason, as first MLB contracts cover seven seasons (2018-24).
The Pirates can bring back any of the players below for the 2025 season, and if they did it would likely be on minor league deals. The list of free agents, by team, is below.
Triple-A: Indianapolis
- RHP Luis Cessa
- RHP Ben Heller
- RHP Daulton Jefferies
- RHP Jose Maldonado
- RHP Isaac Mattson
- RHP Connor Sadzeck
- RHP Aaron Shortridge
- RHP Beau Sulser
- LHP Brady Feigl
- LHP Geronimo Franzua
- LHP Michael Plassmeyer
- LHP Josh Walker
- C Grant Koch
- 1B Seth Beer
- OF Jake Lamb
There were months when Seth Beer and Jake Lamb had the attention of Pirates fans with every hit, while Rowdy Tellez was one of the worst hitters in the league. They were ultimately depth, and the Pirates never turned to either player.
Grant Koch did get time in the Majors, serving as a depth starter during a double-header in his Major League debut. The Pirates have a few upper-level catchers, but could bring Koch back to maintain depth. He’d be great for any team looking for a strong defensive emergency option in Triple-A.
The Pirates saw Ben Heller, Daulton Jefferies, Isaac Mattson, and Brady Feigl in the Majors briefly this season. Of the group, Mattson is the best option for a 2025 Major League bullpen option out of Spring Training.
Aaron Shortridge is on the older side for a prospect, after having his career stalled by injuries and the lost COVID season. He has the mix of pitches to be a starter, but the Pirates have a loaded situation at the top, which means Shortridge might find a better opportunity elsewhere.
Double-A: Altoona
- RHP Brad Case
- RHP Cristofer Melendez
- LHP Blake Townsend
- C Abrahan Gutierrez
- SS Francisco Acuna
- OF Yoyner Fajardo
As far as long-term upside, Abrahan Gutierrez was one of the best catchers the Pirates had in the upper-levels. He’s got a chance to be a two-way option, after spending an injury shortened season in Altoona. Like Koch, the Pirates could bring back Gutierrez for depth.
Yoyner Fajardo was one of the best performers for Altoona this year after joining the club mid-season. He is a low-power, high-OBP contact hitter who has struggled in Triple-A, and doesn’t have a bat that profiles for the Majors. He’s a good upper-level depth option.
Brad Case dropped to a sidearm delivery this season, putting up a 3.19 ERA in 36.2 innings. Case has pitched in Double-A every season since 2021, and this was his best result.
High-A: Greensboro
- OF P.J. Hilson
The Pirates added P.J. Hilson in the minor league Rule 5 draft last offseason, and he played an important role in Greensboro. Aside from hitting for a .760 OPS with 13 homers and 14 stolen bases, Hilson was one of the leaders of the playoff team, providing consistent performance and helping all over the field in the lineup almost every night.
If the Pirates were to bring back any of the above players prior to this year’s Rule 5 draft, they would be eligible for the 2025 Rule 5 draft.
