Let's Go Bucs! A Pittsburgh Pirates Rebuild

[TribeTown]

Game #87 – July 1 – Chicago 10, Pittsburgh 4
The Pirates opened the month with a key series in the Windy City, really needing to sweep or at least win 2 out of 3 to get back in the NL Central race. The came up short as the Cubs batted around and scored 6 in the 6th (Jefferson Quero’s Grand slam was the big hit) and scored 3 more in the 7th to blow out the Buccos, who managed just 7 hits and committed 2 errors.
WP: R. Marinaccio (5-1)
LP: K. Nishida (10-5)
Record: 45-42

Game #88 – July 2 – Chicago 7, Pittsburgh 1
The Pirates were listless for the 2nd game in a row, managing just 5 hits in another ungly loss.
WP: T. Thomas (5-7)
LP: S. Carlson (1-1)
Record: 45-43

Game #89 – July 3 – Chicago 6, Pittsburgh 1
The Cubs completed the sweep in yet another ugly game by the Pirates, who now have won only 5 of their last 16 games. It is one of the ugliest stretches of baseball seen in the Steel City in years. The Pirates have now fallen into 3rd place .
WP: T. Rogers (9-4)
LP: Q. Priester (5-6)
Record: 45-44

TRANSACTION: The Pirates signed International free agent 3B Juan Barrera. The 17 year old Venezuelan is projected to be an elite pure hitter with plus-plus power. [80 potential contact, 80 potential HR power, 55 potential eye/discipline, 80 overall potential).

TRANSACTION: Optioned Connor Shouse to AAA Indianapolis. Activated Owen Paino from rehab assignment.

Game #90 – July 4 – Pittsburgh 8, Washington 1
The Pirates finally showed signs of life, returning home to get a much- needed win. Dean West had 2 hits to lead the offense, and Jake Morrow smacked a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 5th inning.
WP: J. Baumeister (8-5)
LP: M. Denaburg (5-8)
Record: 46-44

Game #91 – July 5 – Pittsburgh 5, Washington 4 (11 innings)
The Pirates won a thriller as Tyler Freeman doubled home the tying run with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th, and Diego Cartaya gave the Pirates a walk off with an RBI double in the bottom of the 11th.
WP: C. Smith (5-5)
LP: F. Perez (2-3)
Record: 47-44

Game #92 – July 6 – Pittsburgh 8, Washington 1
The Pirates completed the sweep as Kyozo Nishida pitched 6 shutout innings, striking out 9.
WP: K. Nishida (11-5)
LP: D. May (9-6)
Record: 48-44

TRADE: The Pirates traded Drew Rasmussen, Tyler Freeman, and minor league P Duke Ekstrom to the Angels in exchange for 2B Ketel Marte, 1B Freddie Freeman, and catching prospect Cade Arrambide.

Marte is 35 but remains one of the best pure hitters in the game and remains an above average defender at 2B. Freeman is one of the best offensive players of his generation, although he is clearly on the downside of his 19 year career. He brings leadership to the clubhouse and is a fan favorite. Both players join the team with the hope of contributing to a playoff push.

Arrambide is a 24 year old catching prospect who is good defensively and shows some power at the plate.

Optioned Jake Morrow to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #93 – July 7 – Pittsburgh 4, Miami 3
With the Pirates trailing 3-2, Roman Anthony smashed his 20th home run of the season (a 2-run shot) to give the Buccos a 4-3 lead in the 6th.
WP: S. Carlson (2-1)
LP: J. Cabrera (0-2)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (16)
Record: 49-44

Game #94 – July 8 – Pittsburgh 4, Miami 3
Masayoshi Oshima hit a grand slam in the top of the 4th inning and the Pirates held on to win their 5th in a row.
WP: Q. Priester (6-6)
LP: K. Harrison (6-5)
SV: N. Robertson (2)
Record: 50-44

Game #95 – July 9 – Pittsburgh 9, Miami 4
The Pirates finished the first half strong and go into the All Star break on a 6 game roll. Diego Cartaya went 2-3 and drove in 3 runs to lead the Buccos. Freddie Freeman and Ketel Marte hit their 1st home runs in Pirates uniforms. Roman Anthony and Cartaya also homered. With their hot streak, Pittsburgh has closed to within 4 ½ games of the Cubs.
WP: C. Smith (6-5)
LP: M. Albright (5-10)
Record: 51-44

[TribeTown]

ALL STAR BREAK

The Pirates had 7 players selected for the National League All Star game.

Kyozo Nishida (11-5, 3.01) will make his 1st All Star game appearance.

Yerry De Los Santos (1-2, 16 saves, 2.91) was chosen for the 2nd time, but will not play in the game due to injury.

Masayoshi Oshima (.303, 16 HR) will make his 3rd All Star appearance.

Roman Anthony (.244, 20HR) will make his 1st All Star appearance.

Ethan Workinger (.260, 14 HR) will make his 1st All Star appearance.

Dean West (.287, 6 HR) will make his 1st All Star appearance.

Corbin Carroll (.304, 3 HR) was selected to his 2nd All Star game, but will not play due to injury.

The AL beat the NL 10-3, with former Pirate Mac Horvath earning MVP honors.

Kyozo Nishida started for the NL and allowed a run in 1 IP. Dean West had a hit in 3 at bats. Masayoshi Oshima went 2-3 and hit a home run. Roman Anthony and Ethan Workinger both went 0-2.

FUTURES GAME

Bradenton closer Jimmy Hagen (2-4, 9 saves, 3.98 overall) and OF Sergio Ramirez (rookie league – .181 4 HR, 19 SB) were chosen to represent the Pirates.

FIRST YEAR DRAFT

1st Round, 30th Overall – Jim Heil – CF
An elite hitter, Heil projects to have a high batting average and also elite power, while.playing above average defense. (80 potential contact, 65 potential HR power, 65 speed, 80 overall potential.)

2nd Round, 73rd overall – Chris Adams – C
Adams has plus contact potential and the power potential to develop into a “human highlight reel.” He is not a great defender behind the plate and may end up playing 1B. (70 potential contact, 65 potential HR power, 80 overall potential.)

3rd Round, 101st Overall – Eric Scott – C
He has a presence at the plate and projects to deliver above average power. (60 potential contact, 55 potential HR power, 75 potential overall).

4th Round, #133 Overall – Mike Casteel – OF
He projects “to challenge for batting titles, with his speed putting the infield into panic mode.” (75 potential contact, 55 potential HR power, 75 speed, 65 potential overall.)

5th Round, #175 Overall – Dave Bennett – SP
He throws 5 pitches but right now has questionable control. He projects to a #2 starter for most teams. (50 overall stuff, 75 stamina, 55 overall potential.)

TRADE: July 12 – The Pirates traded 2B Jacob Gonzalez and minor league P Albert Aguilar to San Antonio in exchange for minor league RP Sam Price, minor league SS Ethan Holliday, and P Heitor Tokar.

Price has seen some time with the Ocelots this year but will go to Indianapolis. He has the potential to be one of the better orders in the game. Holliday has above average contact ability and average power. He is an above average defender at 3B and average at SS. Tokar has below average stuff with good control. He is a bullpen guy.

Optioned Sam Price, Darren Biwen and Jesus Garza to AAA Indianapolis. Designated William Ross for assignment. Activated Jack Weisenberger from rehab assignment.

[TribeTown]

Game #96 – July 14 – Pittsburgh 5, Colorado 0
The Pirates started the second half in fine style, shutting out the Rockies at Coors Field. Masayoshi Oshima hit 2 home runs and drove in 4. Shane Bieber earned his 1st win of the year, allowing 1 hit over 7 innings.
WP: S. Bieber (1-1)
LP: F. Lopez (6-8)
Record: 52-44

Game #97 – July 15 – Pittsburgh 11, Colorado 3
Dean West went 3-4 with a home run, a double, and a walk. He scored 4 times and drove.in 2 to lead the Pirates to their 8th straight win. Roman Anthony drove in 4 runs. Quinn Priester allowed 2 runs in 6 hits over 6 innings to earn his 7th win of the season.
WP: Q. Priester (7-6)
LP: J. Jones (7-6)
Record: 53-44

Game #98 – July 16 – Pittsburgh 10, Colorado 9
Ketel Marte drove in the go-ahead run when he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the top of the 9th inning.
WP: N. Robertson (3-3)
LP: B. Perez (1-1)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (17)
Record: 54-44

Game #99 – July 17 – Pittsburgh 7, Milwaukee 1
Kyozo Nishida was masterful, allowing 1 run on 3 hits in a complete game effort. Ethan Workinger hit a home run and drove in 5.
WP: K. Nishida (12-5)
LP: B. Selvidge (8-6)
Record: 55-44

Game #100 – July 18 – Milwaukee 11, Pittsburgh 2
Masayoshi Oshima hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 1st inning to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead, but it was all Milwaukee after that as the Pirates lost for the 1st time in 11 games.
WP: B. Wilson (5-4)
LP: S. Carlson (2-2)
Record: 55-45

Game #101 – July 19 – Pittsburgh 7, Milwaukee 3
Dean West went 4-5 and scored 3 times as the Pirates got back into the win column. Pittsburgh scored 4 times in the bottom.of the 2jd, highlighted by Ketel Marte’s 2-run double. Marte went 3-5 and drove in 3 runs.
WP: S. Bieber (2-1)
LP: T. White (5-8)
Record: 56-45

Game #102 – July 20 – Pittsburgh 8, Charlotte 1
Max Anderson hit a 2-run home.run in the top of the 1st inning to put the Pirates ahead 5-0 and the Buccos never looked back. Quinn Priester had another strong.performance, allowing 1 run on 6 hits over 6.2 innings.
WP: Q. Priester (8-6)
LP: M. Hogan (0-2)
Record: 57-45

Game #103 – July 21 – Charlotte 5, Pittsburgh 1
Eddie Yean looked like Cy Young, holding the Pirates to 1 run on 3 hits.over 5 innings.
WP: E. Yean (4-5)
LP: C. Rodriguez (3-3)
Record: 57-46

Game #104 – July 22 – Charlotte 7, Pittsburgh 6
Charlotte prevailed in a wild, back and forth game. The Brown Bears scored 4 times in the bottom of the 1st inning, but the Pirates came back, scoring twice in the 2nd, once in the 6th, and 3 times on a Freddie Freeman 3-run home run in the 7th to a 6-4 lead. After Charlotte got a run back in the bottom of the inning, the Brown Bears scored twice in the bottom of the 9th for a walk off win.
WP: A. Warner (5-1)
LP: Y. De Los Santos (1-3)
Record: 57-47

[TribeTown]

Game #105 July 23 – Pittsburgh 7, NY Mets 6 (11 innings)
Masayoshi Oshima went 3-4 and drove in 2 to lead the Pirates to another win. His 11th inning single drove home the winning run for a walk off win.
WP: A. Troesser (2-1)
LP: O. Mateo (2-8)
Record: 58-47

Game #106 – July 24 – Pittsburgh 12, NY Mets 10
The Pirates led 9-0 after 4 inning and 12-4 after 5. They weathered a Mets comeback and held on for the win.
WP: S. Bieber (3-1)
LP: J. Butto (3-4)
SV: N. Robertson (3)
Record: 59-47

Game #107 – July 25 – NY Mets 4, Pittsburgh 3
Oneil Cruz hit a run-scoring single in the top of the 8th inning to give the Mets the lead.
WP: K. Whitley (3-4)
LP: J. Baumeister (8-6)
SV: A. Perdomo (15)
Record: 59-48

Game #108 – July 27 – St. Louis 4, Pittsburgh 3
Chris Rodriguez pitched well, but Tommy Edman hit the go-ahead home run of Heitor Tokar in the 7th inning.
WP: G. Yanez (3-1)
LP: H. Tokar (0-1)
SV: S. Wilson (24)
Record: 59-49

July 28 – PPD. Rain

Game #109 – July 29 (Game #1) – St. Louis 1, Pittsburgh 0
Kyozo Nishida and Masyn Winn locked in a classic pitcher’s duel that wasn’t decided until Winn delivered a run-scoring single in the bottom of the 9th.
WP: L. Gillaspie (5-2)
LP: J. Baumeister (8-7)
Record: 59-50

Game #110 – July 29 (Game #2) – St. Louis 8, Pittsburgh 5
Yohendrick Pinango went 4-5 as the Cardinals swept the double header and the series.
WP:.K. Waldichuk (6-6)
LP: S. Carlson (2-3)
SV: S. Wilson (25)
Record: 59-51

Game #111 – July 30 – Pittsburgh 5, San Diego 2
Shane Bieber was outstanding, allowing 1 run on 6 hits over 6 innings as the Pirates ended the month with a win. Masayoshi Oshima hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 5th and drove in 3 runs overall. Roman Anthony also homered.
WP: S. Bieber (4-1)
LP: Z. Fallen (8-10)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (18)

[TribeTown]

JULY 2029 IN REVIEW

The Pirates rode a 10 game winning streak back into contention in the NL Central. They went 15-11 overall in July. Take away the 10 wins in a row and it was another very inconsistent month. The good news is that Pittsburgh is just 2 ½ games behind the Cubs entering August. Milwaukee is 4 games behind.

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

Atlanta (64-48) leads the East by 8 games over Miami. San Diego (71-42) leads the West by 9 games over the Dodgers.

In the American League, Baltimore (68-45) leads the East by 9 games over Boston, Cleveland (71-42) leads Chicago by 11 games in the Central, and Texas (71-43) has a 2 game lead over Seattle in the West.

• July 1 – NY Mets SS Francisco Lindor collected his 2000th career hit in a 5-1 win over Milwaukee.
  
• July 3 – Boston acquired P Jordan Romano from the Nationals in exchange for a minoreague OF.
  
• July 6 – Redd SP Hunter Greene will miss 6 weeks with elbow inflammation. Cubs OF Druw Jones will miss 2-3 months with a herniated disc. The Dodgers acquired Alex Bregman from Houston in exchange for a minor league SS. Angels OF Mike Trout hit career home run #600 in an 8-3 win over the Twins.
  
• July 8 – Giants SP Jameson Taillon will miss the rest.lf the year with an injured elbow ligament. Boston acquired RP David Bednar from Milwaukee in exchange for a minor league INF.
  
• July 10 – Free agent RP Colin Poche signed with the Ocelots.
  
• July 17 – Boston lost the services of newly acquired RP Jordan Romano, probably for the rest of the season, with shoulder inflammation. Charlotte CF Jesus Moncayo went 5-5 in a win over Philadelphia. Seattle (and former Pirate) Cody Morris pitched a no-hitter vs. Oakland, striking out 11.
  
• July 18 – Yankees SP Antonio Senzatela will miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum. San Antonio traded RP Art Warren to the White Sox in exchange for a minor league 1B.
  
• July 19 – Reds P Noah Schultz no hit the Cardinals.
  
• July 22 – The Giants acquired star 2B Xavier Esquer from Washington in exchange.fkr 3 prospects.
  
• July 28 – Mets 2B Luis Arraez will miss the rest of the season with a fractured knee.
  
• July 30 – Phillies SP Jose Urquidy will miss the next 12 months with a torn rotator cuff. Yankees P Ian Helms pitch the 3rd no-hitter in the past 2 weeks as New York beat Toronto 9-0. Boston OF Cody Bellinger hit career home run #300.
  
• July 31 – The Red Sox signed P Darwinzon Hernandez. Colorado traded SP Chris McMahon a d a minor league P to the Mets in exchange for 2 prospects.

No real blockbusters this trade deadline, mostly swaps of relief pitcher's for minor Leaguers.

DOWN ON THE FARM

• July 1 – Indianapolis INF Colin Houck was named the IL’s Player of the Month for June, batting .368 with 9 HRs and 21 RBIs.
  
• July 14 – Top prospect Sergio Ramirez went 5-8 as the DSL Pirates beat the Orioles in an 18 inning game.

[TribeTown]

Game #113 – August 1 – Pittsburgh 7, San Diego 1
Chris Rodriguez was outstanding, pitching 5 innings of 4-hit ball. Shohei Ohtani doubled home the tying run in the bottom of the 4th inning and Khalil Watson followed with a single to drive home the go-ahead run.
WP: C. Rodriguez (4-3)
LP: B. Elder (5-6)
Record: 61-52

Game #114 – August 2 – Pittsburgh 5, Philadelphia 4 (11 innings)
Roman Anthony hit 2 home runs and drove in 4. His solo jack in the top of the 11th inning put the Pirates on top.
WP: J. Weisenberger (2-1)
LP: J. Hader (5-4)
SV: J. Santos (1)
Record: 62-52

TRANSACTION: Placed Shohei Ohtani on the 10-day Injured List (strained posterior cruciate ligament). Optioned Jesus Garza and Zion Rose to AAA Indianapolis. Placed Devin Williams and Sebastian Rivero on the active roster. Recalled OF Luca Reyes.

Game #115 – August 3 – Philadelphia 6, Pittsburgh 5
Jonathan India took Heitor Tokar deep in the 7th inning. His 2-run home run in the bottom of the 7th inning gave the Phillies the lead.
WP: G. Cabrera (4-7)
LP: H. Tokar (0-2)
SV: Z. Maxwell (2)
Record: 62-53

Game #116 – August 4 – Philadelphia 10, Pittsburgh 1
The Phillies blew out the Pirates, scoring 5 times in the bottom of the 7th, highlighted by Jamie Bailey's grand slam, to put the game away.
WP: F. Gonzalez (9-8)
LP: S. Bieber (4-2)
Record: 62-54

TRANSACTION: Placed Ketel Marte on the 10-day Injured List (fractured thumb). Recalled Collin Houck from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #117 – August 5, Cincinnati 6, Pittsburgh 1
The Pirates looked listless again as the Reds took control of this one scoring 5 times in the top of the 5th.
WP: C. Phillips (9-10)
LP: Q. Priester (8-8)
Record: 62-55

TRANSACTION: Sent Corbin Carroll to AAA Indianapolis on injury rehab.

Game #118 – August 6 – Pittsburgh 8, Cincinnati 1
The Pirates snapped a 3-game losing streak behind a strong performance by Chris Rodriguez. Masayoshi Oshima banged a 2-run single in the bottom of the 3rd inning to give Pittsburgh a 2-1 lead. Sebastian Rivero’s 2-run single in the 5th sparked a 5-run inning which broke the game open.
WP: C. Rodriguez (5-3)
LP: J. Cruz (5-10)
Record: 63-55

Game #119 – August 7 – Pittsburgh 7, Cincinnati 3
The Pirates took the rubber match. Max Anderson's 2-run home run in the bottom of the 2nd inning got the Buccos off to a good start. Pittsburgh added 3 more runs in the 3rd.
WP: J. Baumeister (9-7)
LP: J. Boyle (3-7)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (19)
Record: 64-55

[TribeTown]

Game #120 – August 9 – San Francisco 2, Pittsburgh 1
Nick Swiney out-dueled Kyozo Nishida as the Giants won a close game at PNC Park. Kyozo allowed 2 runs on 8 hits and struck out 10 over 6.2 innings of work. The Pirates managed just 2 hits off Swiney and 2 San Francisco relievers.
WP: N. Swiney (9-5)
LP: K. Nishida (12-6)
SV: A. Munoz (26)
Record: 64-56

Game #121 – August 10 – San Francisco 7, Pittsburgh 5
Steve Downs hammered a 2-run home run in the top of the 9th inning to give the Giants the win.
WP: J. Sheffield (8-1)
LP: H. Tokar (0-3)
SV: A. Munoz (27)
Record: 64-57

Game #122 – August 11 – Pittsburgh 4, San Francisco 2
Quinn Priester pitched a solid game (7 IP, 1R, 4H, 5K). Masayoshi Oshima homered in the 4th to tie the game at 1, but the Giants took a 2-1 lead in the top of the 8th. Freddie Freeman blasted a 3-run home run with 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th to give the Pirates the win.
WP: D. Williams (1-0)
LP: J. Staumont (0-1)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (20)
Record: 65-57

Game #123 – August 12 – Atlanta 5, Pittsburgh 4
Masayoshi Oshima hit a 2-run home run in the top of the 1st inning to give the Pirates the lead, but Ronald Acuna hit a grand slam in the bottom of the inning to put Atlanta ahead 4-2. After Pittsburgh tied it in the 3rd on a Dean West home run, the Braves re-took the.lead in the bottom of the inning and held on. The Pirates had the tying run on base in the 9th but could not bring him home.
WP: S. Strider (6-5)
LP: C. Rodriguez (5-4)
SV: B. Marklund (7)
Record: 65-58

TRANSACTION: Optioned Lucas Reyes and Colin Houck to AAA Indianapolis. Designated Darren Bowen and Connor Shouse for assignment. Activated Corbin Carroll from rehab assignment. Recalled Armando Cruz from Indianapolis.

Game #124 – August 13 – Atlanta 2, Pittsburgh 1
Sam Carlson pitched well, allowing just 2 hits over 6 shutout innings, but the Braves scored twice in the bottom of the 9th as Yerry De Los Santos gave up his 7th blown save of the season.
WP: K. Franklin (7-5)
LP: Y. De Los Santos (1-4)
Record: 65-59

Game #125 – August 14 – Atlanta 12, Pittsburgh 7
Atlanta scored 8 times in the bottom of the 2nd inning and Ronald Acuna drove in 4 runs as the Braves swept the series.
WP: H. Elliott (6-1)
LP: K. Nishida (12-7)
Record: 65-60

Game #126 – August 15 (Game #1) – Pittsburgh 3, LA Dodgers 0
Shane Bieber took a no- hitter into the 9th inning. Omar Narvaez singled with 2 outs in the top of the 9th to break up the no-no. Bieber struck out 13 batters.
WP: S. Bieber (5-2)
LP: M. Buchanan (10-7)
Record: 66-60

Game #127 – August 15 (Game #2) – LA Dodgers 4, Pittsburgh 2
The Dodgers won the nightcap and split the double header behind a solid pitching performance by former Pirate Javier Attencio. Devin Mann singled home the go-ahead run in the 7th.
WP: C. Stashak (2-1)
LP: A. Troesser (2-2)
SV: L. Gil (13)
Record: 66-61

Game #128 – August 16 – Pittsburgh 3, LA Dodgers 1
Quinn Priester was sensational, allowing 1 hit over 6 shutout innings.
WP: Q. Priester (9-8)
LP: E. Wilkinson (7-7)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (21)
Record: 67-61

Game #129 – August 17 – Pittsburgh 4, LA Dodgers 2
The Pirates took the lead on Dean West’s 2-run triple in the bottom of the 7th inning.
WP: J. Weisenberger (3-1)
LP: W. Buehler (13-7)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (22)
Record: 68-61

[TribeTown]

Game #130 – August 18 – Pittsburgh 6, Arizona 1
Masayoshi Oshima went 3-5 with a home run and drove in 4 to lead the Pirates to a series-opening win. Corbin Carroll added a solo home run in the top of the 8th.
WP: S. Carlson (3-3)
LP: F. Whitley (3-1)
Record: 69-61

TRANSACTION: Recalled Sean Pickle from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #131 – August 19 – Arizona 5, Pittsburgh 2
Jarlin Susana pitched well and Paul DeJong hit a 3-run home run in the bottom of the 5th inning to lift the Diamondbacks to the win.
WP: J. Susana (9-9)
LP: K. Nishida (12-8)
SV: L. Frias (16)
Record: 69-62

Game #132 – August 20 – Arizona 2, Pittsburgh 1
Buddy Kennedy drove home the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 6th inning. Shane Bieber was the hard luck loser.
WP: L. Newsome (1-1)
LP: S. Bieber (5-3)
SV: L. Frias (17)
Record: 69-63

Game #133 – August 22 – Pittsburgh 8, Chicago 5
The Pirates took the 1st game of a very important series at PNC Park behind a strong performance by Quinn Priester (6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 6 K, 0 BB). Owen Paino hit a 2-run single in the bottom of the 4th inning to give the Pirates a 2-1 lead. Khalil Watson doubled home 2 more runs in the 5th. The Cubs have now lost 6 games in a row and their lead.over Pittsburgh is down to 2 games.
WP: Q. Priester (10-8)
LP: T. Thomas (5-9)
Record: 70-63

Game #134 – August 23 – Pittsburgh 4, Chicago 3
Ethan Workinger and Max Anderson hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to give the Pirates a 4-3 lead.
WP: J. Weisenberger (4-1)
LP: T. Rogers (11-8)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (23)
Record: 71-63

Game #135 – August 24 – Pittsburgh 8, Chicago 1
Kyozo Nishida was dominant, allowing just 4 hits and striking out 8 in a complete game effort as the Pirates moved into a 1st place tie with the Cubs.
WP: K. Nishida (13-8)
LP: S. Alcantara (7-7)
Record: 72-73

TRANSACTION: Placed Heitor Tokar on the 15-day Injured List (back stiffness). Recalled Jackson Cox from AAA Indianapolis.

[TribeTown]

Game #136 – August 25 – Washington 8, Pittsburgh 3
David Hogg went 2-3 with a home run to lead the Nationals to a win.
WP: S. Turnbull (1-1)
LP: S. Bieber (5-4)
Record: 72-64

Game #137 – August 26 – Washington 3, Pittsburgh 2 (10 innings)
Max Anderson doubled in the top of the 9th inning to tie the game, but Jose Azocar won it for the Nationals with a walk off single in the bottom of the 10th.
WP: J. Guerrero (3-1)
LP: N. Robertson (3-4)
Record: 72-65

Game #138 – August 27 – Pittsburgh 13, Washington 0
The Pirates salvaged the final game of the series with a blowout win. Roman Anthony’s 3-run home run in the top of the 1st inning got it started. Max Anderson followed with a home run as the Buccos scored 5 times in the inning. Sean Pickle, Ethan Workinger, and Dean West also homered.
WP: J. Santos (1-0)
LP: G. Crochet (4-11)
Record: 73-65

TRANSACTION: Sent Carter Smith to AAA Indianapolis on an injury rehab assignment. Placed Jack Weisenberger on the 15-day IL with forearm tendonitis. Recalled Jesus Garza from AAA Indianapolis.

Game #139 – August 28 – Pittsburgh 2, Miami 1
Armando Cruz doubled home the tying run in the bottom of the 8th inning and Corbin Carroll singled to give the Pirates a walk off win in the bottom of the 9th.
WP: C. Rodriguez (6-4)
LP: L. Little (1-6)
Record: 74-65

Game #140 – August 29 – Miami 5, Pittsburgh 3
Gio Urshela hit a 2-run home run in the top of the 6th inning to give the Marlins the lead.
WP: J. Winckowski (7-1)
LP: K. Nishida (13-9)
SV: A. Walters (29)
Record: 74-66

Game #141 – August 30 – Pittsburgh 3, Miami 2
Shane Bieber pitched well, allowing 1 run on 4 hits over 6.1 innings while striking out 8. Masayoshi Oshima hit a 2 run home run in the bottom of the 7th inning to give the Pirates a 2-1 lead.
WP: A. Troesser (3-2)
LP: V. Castaneda (0-2)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (24)
Record: 75-66

TRANSACTION: Sent Bubba Chandler to AAA Indianapolis in an injury rehab assignment.

Game #142 – August 31 – Pittsburgh 8, Colorado 0
Roman Anthony hit a home run in the bottom of the 2nd inning to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead, and Freddie Freeman punctuated a good day with a 3-run blast in the 4th to make it 8-0. Pirates pitchers held the Rockies to just 3 hits.
WP: J. Baumeister (10-7)
LP: J. Jones (11-8)
Record: 76-66

[TribeTown]

AUGUST 2029 IN REVIEW

The Pirates had another winning month, going 17-14 in August. Thanks to a near total collapse by the Cubs, the Buccos now hold a 1 game lead in the NL Central. It is shaping up to be an exciting September!

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

Atlanta (84-58) has all but clinched the NL East with a 12 game lead over Miami. The Padres (81-62) lead the West by 2 games. The Wild Card race should be interesting with Pittsburgh/Chicago, San Diego/Arizona contending for spots, along with the Marlins, Dodgers, and Giants. The Brewers are still in the mix as well, if they can get hot and enough other teams ahead of them go cold.

In the American League, Baltimore (87-55) has a 10 game lead over Boston in the East, Cleveland (94-48) has been dominant and leads the Central by 19 games, and Texas (89-53) holds a 7 game lead over Seattle. All three 2nd place teams hold the edge in the Wild Card race.

• August 2 – Oliver Santos will be out for the rest of the season with a hamstring strain. Houston C J. T. Realmuto will miss 5 weeks with a knee sprain.
  
• August 7 – Washington 3B Luis Garcia's 25 game hitting streak came to an end as he went 0-4 in a loss to Milwaukee.
  
• August 10 – Houston 2B Brayden Taylor hit for the cycle as the Astros beat the Yankees.
  
• August 21 – Seattle SP Shane McClanahan will miss the next 11 months with a torn rotator cuff. Kansas City 2B Bobby Witt will miss the rest of the season with a torn posterior cruciate ligament.
  
• August 23 – Washington SP Mason Denaburg will miss at least 7-8 months with a ruptured disc.
  
• August 28 – Boston SP Nate Pearson will.miss 7-8 months with a partially torn UCL.
  
• August 29 – Seattle 1B Anthony Rizzo announced he will retire at the end of the season.
  
• August 31 – Cleveland became the first team to clinch a playoff spot.

DOWN ON THE FARM

• August 19 – Indianapolis SP William Ross will miss the rest of the season with a torn back muscle.
  
• August 23 – Marauders SP Louis Gonzalez (2025 11th round draft pick) struck out 15 Daytona batters.
  
• August 27 – Greensboro 2B Ethan Holliday’s 22 game hitting streak ended. Indianapolis 1B Jake Morrow was the International League Player of the Week, going 11-21 with 3 HRs and 6 RBIs.
  
• August 31 – Bradenton RF Wilson Parra (2026 13th round draft pick) hit for the cycle as tha Marauders beat Lakeland 9-6.

[TribeTown]

Game #143 – September 1 – Pittsburgh 5, Colorado 1
Quinn Priester pitched well (6 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 6 K, 1 BB). Max Anderson, Diego Cartaya, and Ethan Workinger all homered. Workinger's 3-run shot in the bottom of the 8th inning gave the Pirates a 5-0 lead.
WP: Q. Priester (11-8)
LP: Y. Kikuchi (5-12)
Record: 77-66

TRANSACTION: Recalled Jake Morrow and Kyrin Long from AAA Indianapolis. (Roster expansion)

Game #144 – September 2 – Colorado 7, Pittsburgh 4
Sean Pickle went 3-5 with a double and 2 singles, but it was not enough as the Rockies prevailed. The Pirates led 4-1 after 3 innings, but the Rockies scored 5 times in the 5th to take the lead.
WP: T. Peterson (2-9)
LP: S. Carlson (3-4)
SV: K. Robinson (4)
Record: 77-67

TRADE: The Pirates completed a waiver trade with the Mets, acquiring RP Angel Perdomo in exchange for minor leaguers P Blake Morningstar, P Hank Phifer, and 1B Noah Turley. The Mets will retain a portion of Perdomo’s contract.

Optioned Kyrin Long to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #145 – September 4 – Pittsburgh 11, Milwaukee 6
Jake Morrow swatted a 3-run home run in the top of the 3rd inning to give the Pirates a 7-1 lead. Shane Bieber struggled, allowing 5 runs in 5.2 innings, but the Pirates held on.
WP: S. Bieber (6-4)
LP: T. Glasnow (2-3)
Record: 78-67

TRANSACTION: Sent Shohei Ohtani to AAA Indianapolis on an injury rehab assignment.

Game #146 – September 5 – Pittsburgh 8, Milwaukee 6
Sean Pickle hit his 4th home run of the season, a 2 run shot, in the top of the 8th inning to give the Pirates an 8-6 lead.
WP: D. Williams (2-0)
LP: B. Selvidge (12-8)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (25)
Record: 79-67

Game #147 – September 6 – Milwaukee 6, Pittsburgh 4
The Brewers scored twice in the bottom of the 8th to salvage the final game of the series.
WP: S. Barlow (1-1)
LP: J. Santos (1-1)
SV: A. Uribe (35)
Record: 79-68

Game #148 – September 7 – Charlotte 7, Pittsburgh 5
Tommy White hit 2 home runs to lead the Brown Bears to the win.
WP: J. del Bosque (7_7)
LP: K. Nishida (13-10)
SV: M. Hogan (4)
Record: 79-69

Game #149 – September 8 – Pittsburgh 6, Charlotte 4
Sam Carlson pitched well and Masayoshi Oshima hit a 3-run home run in the bottom of the 1st inning to put the Pirates ahead.
WP: S. Carlson (4-4)
LP: E. Rivera (0-2)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (26)
Record: 80-69

TRANSACTION: Sent Heitor Tokar to AAA Indianapolis on an injury rehab assignment. Optioned Jake Morrow to AAA. Activated Ketel Marte from injury rehab.

Game #150 – September 9 – Pittsburgh 7, Charlotte 3
The Pirates took the series behind a 3-3 performance by Ethan Workinger. Workinger hit a home run and 2 singles, driving in 3.
WP: S. Bieber (7-4)
LP: S. Baz (10-17)
Record: 81-69

[TribeTown]

Game #151 – September 10 – NY Mets 3, Pittsburgh 1
Connor Sparks shut down the Pirates offense a d Matt Beatty's 5th inning single gave the Mets the lead.
WP: C. Sparks (7-5)
LP: J. Cox (4-7)
SV: O. Mateo (8)
Record: 81-70

TRANSACTION: Optioned Jesus Garza to AAA Indianapolis. Activated Shohei Ohtani from rehab assignment.

Game #152 – September 11 – Pittsburgh 1, NY Mets 0
Quinn Priester out-pitched German Marquez, allowing just 3 hits over 7 shutout innings. Diego Cartaya drove in the only run of the game on a 2nd inning single.
WP: Q. Priester (12-8)
LP: G. Marquez (8-6)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (27)
Record: 82-70

Game #153 – September 12 – NY Mets 5, Pittsburgh 3
The Pirates dropped the rubber match of the series when Cade Climie belted a 2 run home run off Jackson Baumeister in the bottom of the 6th inning.
WP: T. Richards (3-3)
LP: J. Baumeister (10-8)
SV: O. Mateo (9)
Record: 82-71

Game #154 – September 13 – Pittsburgh 8, St. Louis 2
Corbin Carroll went 2-2 and stole 3 bases to lead the Pirates to a win at PNC Park. The Pirates broke open the game when Masayoshi Oshima smashed a bases-clearing double in the bottom of the 7th.
WP: S. Carlson (5-4)
LP: M. Winn (5-10)
Record: 83-71

TRANSACTION: Sent Jack Weisenberger to AAA Indianapolis on rehab assignment.

Game #155 – September 14 – Pittsburgh 5, St. Louis 1
Shane Bieber was dominant as the Pirates won again, sending the Cardinals to their 9th loss in a row. Diego Cartaya has the big hit for the Buccos, delivering a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 4th inning to put Pittsburgh up 3-0.
WP: S. Bieber (8-4)
LP: G. Holmes (7-2)
Record: 84-71

TRANSACTION: Placed Chris Rodriguez on the 15-day Injured List (calf strain). Activated Jack Weisenberger from rehab assignment.

Game #156 – September 15 – Pittsburgh 9, St. Louis 5
The Pirates out-slugged the Cardinals, who lost their 10th game in a row (despite Tommy Edman’s 4-5 day). Pittsburgh scored 7 times in the bottom of the 4th inning, highlighted by Dean West’s bases-clearing double.
WP: J. Cox (5-7)
LP: Z. Linginfelter (2-3)
Record: 85-71

[TribeTown]

Game #157 – September 17 – Pittsburgh 9, San Diego 5
Masayoshi Oshima hit 2 home runs and drove in 5 as the Pirates beat the NL West champions at Petco Park. Oshima’s 3-run home run in the top of the 8th gave the Pirates a 6-5 lead.
WP: D. Williams (3-0)
LP: E. Peguero (2-3)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (28)
Record: 86-71

Game #158 – September 18 – Pittsburgh 10, San Diego 4
Sebastian Rivero went 4-5 with a home run and 4 RBIs to lead the Pirates to their 5th straight win. Rivero hit a 3-run home run in the 5th and Freddie Freeman added a 3-run blast in the 8th.
WP: K. Nishida (14-10)
LP: F. Peralta (16-7)
Record: 87-71

Game #159 – September 19 – San Diego 9, Pittsburgh 5
Fernando Tatis drove in 4 runs as the Padres took the final game of the series. Masayoshi Oshima gave the Pirates a 3-0 in the 2nd when he hit his 33rd home run of the season, but San Diego scored 2 in the 4th and 3 in the 5th to take the lead. The 3 run blast gave Oshima 106 RBIs for the season. Despite the loss, Pittsburgh clinched a playoff spot. They need to win 1 more game (or the Cubs lose one) to clinch the NL Central.
WP: C. McKay (3-0)
LP: S. Carlson (5-5)
SV: K. Castro (42)
Record: 87-72

TRANSACTION: Signed Shohei Ohtani a 1 year, 1,720,000 contract extension.

Game #160– September 20 – Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 1
Frank Gonzalez was outstanding, out-pitching Shane Bieber at PNC Park. The magic number remains 1.
WP: F. Gonzalez (13-10)
LP: S. Bieber (8-5)
SV: Z. Maxwell (9)
Record: 87-73

Game #161 – September 21 – Pittsburgh 7, Philadelphia 1
The Pirates clinched the NL Central with a convincing win at PNC Park. Jackson Cox pitched 5.1 strong innings and Ethan Workinger gave the Buccos the lead with an RBI single in the bottom of the 5th inning. Masayoshi Oshima and Ketel Marte added to Pittsburgh's lead with home runs.
WP: J. Cox (6-7)
LP: P. Burgstshler (8-9)
SV: J. Baumeister (1)
Record: 88-73

TRANSACTION: THE Pirates signed Bubba Chandler to a 1 year, 1,400,000 contract extension.

Game #162 – September 22 – Philadelphia 6, Pittsburgh 5 (12 innings)
The Phillies took an early 5-0 lead, but the Pirates tied the game with a 5-run 3rd inning, highlighted by Shohei Ohtani’s 2-run home run. The score remained 5-5 until Gleyber Torres walked with the bases loaded in the top of the 12th.
WP: G. Cabrera (7-7)
LP: D. Williams (3-1)
Record: 88-74

[TribeTown]

PLAYOFFS

American League
Wild Card – Seattle vs. Boston
Wild Card – Chicago vs. Texas
Byes – Cleveland & Baltimore

National League
Wild Card – San Francisco vs. Chicago
Wild Card –Arizona vs. Pittsburgh
Byes – Atlanta & San Diego


Wild Card Game #1 – September 24 – PNC Park

Quinn Priester (12-8, 3.96) took the hill for the Pirates and surrendered a leadoff triple to Alek Thomas. After Cavan Biggio struck out, Franyel Baez hit a sacrifice fly to deep center field to give the Diamondbacks a 1-0 lead. Arizona made it 3-0 in the 3rd inning when Thomas hit a home run to right-center with a runner on.

Meanwhile, Jackson Lower (14-10, 4.27) retired the first 11 men he faced before Masayoshi Oshima broke through with a 2-out double.

The Diamondbacks broke it open when Baez hit a 3-run home run down the RF line.

The Pirates loaded the bases with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th, but SS Dylan Cupp made a fine play in the hole to retire Sebastian Rivero. The Pirates finally broke through when Oshima hit a sacrifice fly in the 8th.

Final Score: Arizona 6, Pittsburgh 1
WP: J. Kowar (1-0)
LP: Q. Priester (0-1)
Arizona leads the series 1-0.

[TribeTown]

Wild Card Game #2 – September 25 – PNC Park


The Diamondbacks jumped out to an early 2-0 lead when former Pirate Brice Turang doubled down the LF line off of Kyozo Nishida in the top of the 2nd inning.

The Pirates took the lead in the bottom of the 4th when Dean West tripled into the right-centerfield gap with the bases loaded. Corbin Carroll beat out a slow roller on the left side of the infield to extend the Pirates lead to 4-2. Ketel Marte then hit a 377-foot home run into the right field stands to make it 6-2. West doubled home another run in the 6th.to make it 7-2.

Dylan Cupp hit a home run to left field with 1 out in the 7th. West added a sacrifice fly in the 8th and Ketel Marte connected for his 2nd home run of the day, a 3-run shot down the RF line to make it 11-3. Masayoshi Oshima followed with his 1st home run of the postseason. Freddie Freeman hit the 3rd Pirates home run in a row to make it 13-3.

Austin Troesser pitched the final 2 innings, retiring all 6 men he faced, to close out the win.

Final Score: Pittsburgh 13, Arizona 3
WP: K. Nishida (1-0)
LP: R. Nelson (0-2)
Series tied at 1

[TribeTown]

Wild Card Game #3 – September 26 – PNC Park

The Diamondbacks took a 2-0 lead in the top of the 4th inning when A. J. Vukovich deposited a Shane Bieber fastball into the LF stands. Arizona added 2 insurance runs on a Jonathan Snyder single off of Jackson Baumeister. Dylan Cupp followed with a single to left, but Roman Anthony threw a peg to home plate to nail Snyder trying to score.

The Pirates finally scored a run on Ethan Workinger’s RBI groundout in the bottom of the 9th.

Final Score: Arizona 4, Pittsburgh 1
WP: F. Whitley (1-0)
LP: S. Bieber (0-1)
Arizona wins the series, 2-1

[TribeTown]

THE REST OF THE PLAYOFFS

WILD CARD ROUND:
The Cubs swept San Francisco in 2 games.

The White Sox beat the Rangers, 2 games to 1.

Seattle defeated Boston, 2 games to 1.

DIVISIONAL ROUND:
Atlanta dominated Chicago, sweeping the series (3-0).

San Diego defeated Arizona, 3 games to 1.

Seattle advanced with a 3-1 series win over Cleveland.

The Orioles prevailed in a 3 games to 2 series over the White Sox.

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
San Diego defeated Atlanta, 4 games to 3.

Baltimore beat Seattle, 4 games to 2.

WORLD SERIES
Baltimore finally broke through, defeating the Padres in 7 games.

[TribeTown]

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2029 IN REVIEW

The Pirates played good baseball down the stretch to clinch their 4th consecutive NL Central title. The playoffs were a different story, as the Pirates didn't make it through the Wild Card Series. The burning off-season question will be whether or not this team has enough to win a 5th straight division title or not. There are some looming financial hurdles to overcome as well to stay within the owner’s budget – especially concerning the relatively large contracts owed to Shane Bieber, Quinn Priester, Yerry De Los Santos, Masayoshi Oshima, Corbin Carroll. The farm system is not loaded with prospects at this point, at least at the AA and AAA levels, although there are probably several serviceable pieces at the upper levels.

THIS MONTH IN THE MLB

• September 3 – The Yankees fired skipper Mike Scott.
  
• September 4 – Milwaukee Closer Josh Hader has a torn labrum and will miss the rest of the season. Team officials expect him to be able to.pitch next season.
  
• September 7 – Texas SP Patrick Sandoval will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured finger tendon. Rays SS Wander Franco will miss thee rest of the season with a strained back muscle.
  
• September 8 – Angels star CF Mike Trout will miss the rest of the season with a herniated disc. Arizona's Franyel Baez had his 25 game hitting streak stopped in a 3-2 loss to Washington.
  
• September 9 – White Sox Closer Caleb Freeman will have Tommy John surgery.
  
• September 14 – Atlanta SP Ian Anderson will miss the rest of the season with elbow inflammation. Atlanta OF Joey Gallo hit home run #500 in a 4-2 loss to Charlotte.
  
• September 18 – Cincinnati 2B Carter Trice had his hit streak snapped at 21 games in a 3-1 loss to Philadelphia.
  
• October 4 – Atlanta signed RP Andrew Chafin to a 2-year contract extension.
  
• October 8 – Boston signed SS Xander Bogarts to a 3 year contract extension at $22,200,000 per year.
  
• October 11 – Baltimore’s Coby Mayo will miss 3-4 months with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
  
• October 23 – San Francisco signed SP Max Fried to a 3 year, $63,000,000 contract extension.
  
• October 26 – Baltimore SP Xiomer Guacache will miss all of next season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
  
• October 27 – Masayoshi Oshima voided the last year of his contract and announced he will test free agency.
  
• October 29 – DFA’d Jack Weisenberger, Connor Prielipp, and Heitor Tokar.
  
• October 30 – Negotions went quickly, and the Pirates signed Masayoshi Oshima to a 3 year contract extension worth $25,200,000 a year. The Pirates also announced that they had picked up the option for the final year of Corbin Carroll’s contract.

AWARDS

AL BATTING CROWN – Marcelo Mayer (Boston SS), .321, 25 HT, 86 RBIs

NL BATTING CROWN – Luis Garcia (Washington 2B), .328, 24 HR, 94 RBI

AL RELIEVER OF THE YEAR – Francisco Morales (San Antonio), 7-3, 19 saves, 2.19

NL RELIEVER OF THE YEAR – Aaron Bummer (Chicago), 6-8, 4 saves, 1.98

AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Heishichi Yoshihara (Boston 1B), .262, 38, 95.

NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Ken Ortez (Milwaukee 3B), .250, 24, 75

AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Brandon Hyde (Baltimore)

NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Kai Correa (San Diego)

AL CY YOUNG AWARD – Adam Macko (Seattle), 15-7, 3.42

NL CY YOUNG AWARD – Trevor Rogers (Chicago), 14-10, 3.25

AL MVP – George Valera (Cleveland), .271, 52, 115

NL MVP – Fernando Tatis (San Diego), .283, 44, 102

[TribeTown]

OFF SEASON PART 1

November 2 – Atlanta signed 1B Matt Olson to a 3 year, $69,600,000 contract extension.

November 17 – Salary Arbitration

Diego Cartaya – $5,775,000
Yerry De Los Santos – $11, 250,000
Ethan Workinger – $5,000,000
Junior Santos – $2,000,000

November 22 – Signed Ethan Workinger to a 7 year contract extension averaging $15,321,428 a year.

November 27 – In the 1st big FA signing of the year, the Dodgers signed superstar 3B Coby Mayo to an 8 year, $281,500,000 contract. (A huge loss for the Orioles).

December 1 – The Pirates traded C Sebastian Rivero and INF Khalil Watson to the LA Dodgers in exchange for C Israel Pineda, P Pete Rettig, and P Derek Rodriguez.

The Pirates bring back Pineda, who played 58 games in Pittsburgh in 2025 and 2026. He is a veteran who provides power, a strong arm behind the plate, and clubhouse leadership. Rodriguez is a young pitcher with a great arm who should be able to fill a spot at the back end of the rotation. Rettig is a marginal pitching prospect.

December 2 – Traded C Diego Cartaya and minor league P Daniel Dewey to Tampa Bay in exchange for OF/1B Jacob Burke, SP Nick Brisko, and P Jerming Rosario. DFA’d Bubba Chandler and Connor Shouse.

With the acquisition of Pineda, Diego Cartaya became expendable, and the Pirates sent this extremely frustrating player to Tampa for 3 players they home will help them in 2030. Burke is a solid defender who can play multiple positions. Bitsko has four above average pitches and looks to be a member of the Pirates rotation. Rosario features three above average pitches including an elite changeup and will likely be a bullpen candidate.

December 4 – Pirates free agent P Chris Rodriguez signed a 6 year, $111,400,000 contract with San Diego. The Yankees signed former St. Louis closer Josh Sborz. Reliever Cody Stashak signed with the Rangers. Former Pirate Ketel Marte signed with the Dodgers for 1 year, à$10,966,000. International free agent Yuusaku Okano signed with San Diego.

December 6 – The Pirates signed South Korean free agent OF Jun-Seo Kim for $98,600,000 over 7 years. DFA’d OF Sean Pickle

A South Korean outfielder, Kim is a threat to hit the ball out of the park every time he comes to bat.

December 7 – The Mets signed CL Kyle Cody to a 2 year deal. The Guardians signed Giants river Anthony Castro.

December 8 – Miami claimed Sean Pickle off waivers.

December 8 – SP Jameson Taillon signed a 2 year, $18,000,000 contract with the Mets.

December 9 – The Cubs traded prospect C Moises Ballesreros to Oakland in exchange for 2 minor leaguers.

December 12 – Atlanta signed P Brusdar Gaterol. The Cubs signed RP Luis Gil and RP Edwin Uceta.

December 13 – Michael King signed a 3 year deal with Atlanta.

December 17 – Milwaukee signed P Drew Rasmussen to a 4 year, $37,200,000 contract.

December 18 – RP Camilo Doval signed a 3 year deal with Baltimore. Miguel Castro signed with the Padres. SP Cole Winn signed a 1 year deal with Cleveland. The Mets signed SP German Marquez to a 4 year, $53,600,000 contract extension. Andres Munoz signed for 3 years, $35,300,000 with Texas. Colorado signed Brendan Rodgers to a 2 year contract.

December 19 – The Padres signed SP Triston McKenzie. Bryan Reynolds re-signed with San Antonio.

December 21 – Traded minor league 3B Zsombir Cannon to St Louis for RP Steve Wilson.

December 21 – Texas signed RP Lucas Sims. The Cubs signed SP DJ Herz.

December 22 – The Rockies signed 3B Alex Bregman for 3 years, $38,700,000. The Cubs signed CF Alek Thomas to a 6 year contract worth $20,400,000 per year.

December 23 – Texas signed Pirates free agent RP Nick Robertson to a 2 year, $22,000,000 contract. 3B Ryan McMahon signed a 4 year, $37,000,000 contract. Corbin Burnes signed a 1 year contract with the Giants. The Giants also made the biggest splash of the off season, signing George Valera to a 7 year, $240,000,000 contract.

December 27 – The Pirates traded Sam Carlson to the White Sox in exchange for 26 year-old P Tanner McDougal. McDougal has a great arm and likely will be a bullpen piece for the Pirates.

December 27 – in the end, Devin Mann decided to re-sign with the Dodgers for 5 years. The Mets signed former Pirate Alex Vesia.

December 30 – Pirates free agent Devin Williams signed a 2 year, $9,500,000 contract with Texas.

[TribeTown]

OFF SEASON PART 2

January 4 – The Brewers signed P Josiah Gray on a 2 year, $15,200,000 contract. The Marlins signed RP Tyler Zombero.

January 9 – HALL OF FAME – Zack Greinke became the only player elected to be inducted into Cooperstown, garnering 83.8% of the vote. Ichiro Suzuki, Craig Kimbrel, and Carlos Beltran all fell short.

January 13 – Former Pirate DL Hall signed a 3 year, $37,000,000 deal with the Dodgers. Boston traded SP Nick Lodilo to the Dodgers for a minor league SS.

January 15 – San Antonio traded OF Chase DeLauter to Colorado along with a minor leaguer and cash for 2 prospects.

January 16 – Tampa Bay signed RP Scott Barlow to a 1 year deal.

January 17 – Closer Bryan Abreu signed a 2 year contract with the Yankees.

January 20 – Atlanta signed RP Darwinzon Hernandez. RP Austin Warren signed a 2 year deal with Milwaukee. Philadelphia traded P Andrew Painter to Washington for 2 minor leaguers.

January 22 – RP Art Warren signed with the Giants. SP Jose Berrios signed a 3 year deal with the Yankees. RP Hancel Rincon signed with Tampa.

January 22 – The Pirates traded Junior Santos to Oakland for minor league SS Addison Tallman. Tallman is a mid level prospect.

The Pirates traded Quinn Priester to Atlanta along with minor league C Gabe Hopfer and minor league OF Jesus Olmedo in exchange for P Kohl Franklin and P Karson Milbrandt. Milbrandt has above average stuff and above average control and will contend for a rotation spot. Franklin is useful arm who can pitch out of the bullpen or start.

This trade was mainly about clearing Priester's salary..

January 23 – The Cubs signed P Tyler Wells.

January 28 – The Pirates traded Max Anderson to Texas in exchange for minor league C Cal Miller and P Jorge Silva. Miller is a strong defensive catcher who projects to be a starter in the big leagues. Silva projects to be a bullpen arm. Both are at least a year away from the big leagues.

January 30 – P Bobby Miller signed a 2 year deal with the Giants.

January 31 – RP Edgar Garcia signed a 2 year, $13,000,000 with the Twins.

February 4 – Colorado traded Myles Straw to Atlanta in exchange for minor league P David Barreto.

February 6 – RP Javy Guerra signed a 1 year deal with the Mets.

February 14 – RP Trevor Richard signed with the Padres. RP Corey Knebel signed with the Cardinals.

February 16 – Kansas City traded closer Will Klein to Miami in exchange for 2 minor leaguers.

February 21 – Carter Smith suffered a hamstring strain and will miss 2-3 weeks.

February 23 – SP Hunter Brown signed a 4 year, $45,000,000 contract with the Yankees. Joey Gallo signed with the Giants.

February 25 – Trea Turner signed with Seattle. RP JT Hintzen signed with the Dodgers.