Pittsburgh Pirates Place Two Players On Waivers


The Pittsburgh Pirates designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor for assignment with just six games left in the 2024 season. 

Both players, signed to one-year deals in the offseason, struggled to meet expectations throughout the year. 

Tellez, 29, hit .243 with 13 home runs and 56 RBIs in 131 games, showing flashes of productivity during the summer but ultimately cooling off in September. 

Taylor, 33, posted a .193 batting average with five homers and 12 stolen bases in 113 games, his offensive inconsistencies limiting his impact despite continued strong defense in center field.

General manager Ben Cherington explained the decision was driven by performance rather than financial considerations, even though Tellez was just four plate appearances short of a $200,000 bonus. 

"We feel like we gave Rowdy lots of opportunity here this year," Cherington said. "To his credit, he fought through some difficult times earlier in the year and fought his way out of it. Had periods of success and periods of frustration." 

Taylor's defensive skills remained elite, but his limited offensive production and diminished playing time, as the Pirates experimented with Oneil Cruz in the outfield, contributed to his designation.

To fill the vacant roster spots, the Pirates called up infielder Liover Peguero and outfielder Joshua Palacios from Triple-A Indianapolis. 

Peguero, 23, led all Pirates minor leaguers in hits and RBIs this season, while Palacios returns to Pittsburgh after a brief stint earlier in the year.

Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images