Moring Rundown week in review: New Assistant GM, Pirates sign one, claim another off of waivers
A recap in what has been the busiest week for the Pirates this offseason so far
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been mostly quiet during the offseason but showed signs of life this past week.
Perhaps the most notable news was hiring of Sarah Gelles as an Assistant General Manager. She previously interned for the Pirates before working for the Baltimore Orioles and, more recently, the Houston Astros.
The Athletic ran an article with 12 names on the rise regarding management and coaches, with Gelles receiving the most votes based on those polled.
The Pirates signed Ali Sanchez to a one-year contract, giving them another catcher on the 40-man roster. He spent the 2023 season with the Reno Aces, the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
He put up some impressive numbers there, although it was in the most hitter-friendly league in all minors.
Also, Roddery Munoz was claimed off of waivers from the Washington Nationals. He began the 2023 season with the Atlanta Braves but was claimed by the Nationals after he was designated for assignment.
He’s suffered from control issues but has a fastball that can reach the upper 90s to go along with a slider and change-up.
With the heavy focus on pitching the last couple of drafts, Tres Gonzalez has been one of the few hitters added lately. He split the 2023 season - his first full as a professional - between Bradenton and Greensboro.
He flashed a strong hit tool in college, carrying over to the pros. Gonzalez doesn’t have traditional power but uses the gaps well and paired with his speed to take extra bases.
We will know by the end of this coming week where the Pirates will select in the first round of the 2024 draft once the lottery happens, in the meantime, I took an early look at some players that may be available when they pick.
After looking at their quick write-ups on Baseball America, I took some guesses at some names that would fit what the Pirates have chased recently in the following rounds after the first.
Every Monday during the offseason we will be doing a mailbag article. Send in your questions to have them answered! Either comment below with ‘mailbag’ entered in the message or email us at bucsondeckqa@gmail.com. Look forward to answering what you guys have!
Mackey seems to think either Endy or Davis will be traded for pitching. Neither have proven themselves enough to be worth much right now and would have been worth more before callup imo. Are small market GMs just forced into dumb situations like this or is it just our luck as Pirates fans to get UMass Amherst dolts who own goal constantly?
I’m guessing this will be a “busier“ week, I’m guessing at least one fairly big trade and one legit FA signing.