Unraveling the Pirates' Tough Choices in the Offseason
David Bednar: The Fan Favorite with a Price Tag
The closer, David Bednar, is a local hero from Mars who has achieved great success with the Pirates. A two-time All-Star, he has become a fan favorite. However, this winter he is eligible for salary arbitration for the second time, and his recent poor season with a 5.77 ERA and seven blown saves in 30 opportunities raises questions. MLB Trade Rumors' Matt Swartz projects his salary to be $6.6 million if he goes through the arbitration process. The Pirates professed to keep him as the closer at the end of the season, but considering their frugal standards, it's a significant financial commitment. There are four possible scenarios between now and the contract tendering deadline. One option is to offer him a contract and face the uncertainty of an arbitration hearing. Another is to sign him to a one-year deal, avoiding the preparation and potential ill feelings. They could also trade him to a team in need of bullpen help and willing to go to arbitration. The final possibility is to nontender him, making him a free agent, which could anger fans and potentially lower owner Bob Nutting's approval rating.Bednar's first three seasons with the Pirates from 2021-23 were remarkable. He notched 61 saves in 172 games with a 2.25 ERA and 1.063 WHIP. His presence in the bullpen was crucial during that time.
Recalling the time shortstop Jack Wilson went to arbitration with the Pirates two decades ago, it shows the potential for strained relationships. Will the Pirates risk fracturing their bond with Bednar by going to arbitration?
Bryan De La Cruz: The Power Hitter with a Questionable Future
Bryan De La Cruz, the right fielder acquired in a deadline trade with the Miami Marlins, was expected to add much-needed power to the Pirates' lineup. But instead, he was a significant reason for the team's quick fall from the pennant race in August with a 10-game losing streak. In 44 games after the trade, he hit.200/.220/.294 with three home runs, striking out 52 times in 168 plate appearances and drawing just four walks. However, he hit 18 home runs in 105 games for the Marlins. The Pirates now have to decide whether to give the 27-year-old a second chance at a much higher salary after making $768,000 in 2023.His performance has been a rollercoaster, and the team must weigh the potential of his power against his recent struggles.
With six other arbitration-eligible players including first baseman/outfielder Connor Joe ($3.2 million projected salary), left-hander Bailey Falter ($2.8 million), catcher Joey Bart ($1.8 million), reliever Dennis Santana ($1.8 million), right-hander Johan Oviedo ($1.5 million), and reliever Colin Holderman ($1.4 million), the Pirates' decision-making process is complex.
Connor Joe's performance with a.228/.320/.368 slash line and nine home runs in 123 games this past season makes him a non-tender candidate. But the decision regarding Bednar looms larger for general manager Ben Cherington. Stay tuned as the Pirates navigate these tough choices in the offseason.