Pittsburgh Pirates DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

According to Alex Stumpf of MLB.com, Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez (elbow) "feels great" heading into spring training. Rodriguez missed most of the 2024 season after undergoing surgery to repair his UCL and flexor tendon in his right elbow. Rodriguez noted that his swing feels "correct" as well. However, fantasy managers should expect him to be eased into action during spring training, as he appeared in just 10 games (all in the minor leagues) last season. In 2023, Rodriguez made his big league debut and posted a .220/.284/.328 line with seven doubles and three home runs. While Joey Bart is likely penciled in as the Opening Day starting catcher, Rodriguez is expected to compete for the No. 2 role with former top prospect Henry Davis during spring training. If Rodriguez makes the Opening Day roster, he could be worth a look in deeper NL-only formats.

According to Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Alika Williams was designated for assignment. This transaction opened a roster spot for Tim Mayza, who the team officially signed earlier on Monday. Williams made 37 appearances at the MLB level last season with the Pirates. He held a .207/.242/.299 slash line with just five doubles and a 3:22 BB:K ratio. During his rookie season in 2023, Williams posted a .198/.270/.248 line. However, Williams has performed very well at the Triple-A level. Last summer, he carried a solid .311/.384/.396 line. In 2023, he flashed more power upside as he held a .305/.381/.531 line. Fantasy managers should expect the 25-year-old to draw some interest on waivers, given his strong play at Triple-A.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are still looking for someone to step up as an everyday right fielder in 2025, but MLB.com's Alex Stumpf writes that Nick Yorke is a second baseman by trade and might not be an everyday outfielder from a defensive perspective. Both Yorke and Billy Cook were acquired at last year's trade deadline, with Yorke having the higher pedigree -- he's the team's first prospect on MLB Pipeline's top-100 list. Other players in Pittsburgh battling for an outfield spot in spring training will be Joshua Palacios, Jack Suwinski, Bryce Johnson and Nick Solak. The 22-year-old Yorke has the most offensive upside of the bunch but has played only four games in right field as a professional in the minors. If the Bucs aren't impressed with his glove this spring, he could open the year at Triple-A Indianapolis for more seasoning. With regular playing time, though, Yorke is a power-speed sleeper in deeper fantasy formats.

The Pittsburgh Pirates won their salary arbitration hearing against right-hander Johan Oviedo (elbow) on Wednesday, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. Oviedo will now earn $850,000 in 2025 instead of the $1.15 million that he filed for earlier in January. The 26-year-old is on track to be ready for spring training this year after missing all of last year due to Tommy John surgery. However, the Pirates may take extra caution with the Cuban hurler and ease him into things early on during the regular season because of his long layoff. Oviedo showed flashes for the Bucs in 2023, allowed two or fewer runs 18 times out of his 32 starts while finishing with a 4.31 ERA (4.49 FIP) and 1.37 WHIP with a 158:83 K:BB in his 177 2/3 innings thrown. When he struggled, though, the wheels sort of fell off, and he had a league-high 13 hit-by-pitches. He's going to need to improve his control plenty, and that won't be easy coming off TJ surgery.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed left-handed pitcher Ryan Borucki to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. The 30-year-old logged just 11 frames at the major league level in 2024 and posted a hefty 7.36 ERA and a 1.64 WHIP. Through 14 2/3 innings in the minor leagues, Borucki posted a poor 4.91 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. However, in 40 1/3 innings of work with Pittsburgh in 2023, Borucki held a strong 2.45 ERA and a stellar 0.74 WHIP. He struck out 33 batters and allowed just four free passes. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his progress during spring training, as Borucki will likely be competing for a spot in the bullpen.