The Pirates officially announced the signings of free agent left-hander José Quintana and first baseman Yoshi Tsutsugo to one-year deals Monday afternoon.
To make room on the roster for him, the Pirates designated left-hander Steven Brault and first baseman Colin Moran, the two players who essentially held those roles last year, for assignment.
With the non-tender deadline Tuesday, it’s not too surprising the Pirates would make a decision about Brault and Moran now. However, as two of the longest-tenured Pirates, it is a bit of a sudden end to their time with the club.
Shoulder problems have limited Brault over the past three seasons, including making just seven starts with the Pirates in 2021. He went 0-3 with a 5.86 ERA.
Over six years with the Pirates, Brault went 12-18 with a 4.77 ERA over 107 games pitched, 52 of which were starts.
Moran was bit by the injury bug multiple times in 2021, finishing with only 10 home runs with a .724 OPS, both of which dropped during a late-season slump.
In 444 games with the Pirates, Moran hit 44 homers with 211 RBIs with a .269 average and 0.2 WAR.
The Pirates have several other arbitration-eligible players who they will have to make decisions on by Tuesday, including Chad Kuhl and Kevin Newman.
One player who does not have to worry about those roster cuts is Ben Gamel, who agreed to a one-year deal to avoid his final year of arbitration. Per a source, his contract is for $1.8 million, with a potential $100,000 bonus if he reaches 450 plate appearances and another $100,000 bonus if he reaches 550 plate appearances.
Gamel, 29, was claimed off waivers by the Pirates in May and slashed .255/.352/.399 with eight home runs and 26 RBIs. While the Pirates have recently added several young outfielders to the 40-man roster -- including prospects Travis Swaggerty, Canaan Smith-Njigba and Jack Suwinski -- none are expected to be ready for opening day, giving Gamel the inside edge for playing time early in the season.
In terms of who the Pirates are bringing in, Tsutsugo hit .268 with eight doubles, eight home runs and 25 RBI in 43 games with the Pirates in 2021.
"We are excited to bring Yoshi back to Pittsburgh," Cherington said in the release. "Yoshi brings and extensive track record of offensive performance with power to our lineup."
The 30-year-old Tsutsugo began the 2021 season by making the opening day roster of the Tampa Bay Rays before being designated for assignment May 11. He was acquired by the Dodgers on May 15 playing in 12 games before landing on the injured list.
He was released by Los Angeles on August 14 before signing with the Pirates on August 16.
"During his short time with us, Yoshi demonstrated a willingness to challenge himself to get better, a trait that will positively influence the younger players in our clubhouse," Cherington said.
Quintana, 32, is looking to bounce back after bouncing between the Angels and Giants' bullpen and rotation in 2021, posting a 6.43 ERA along the way.
He will be given the opportunity to start with the Pirates.
“Jose brings a veteran presence and, as a left-hander, some balance to our starting rotation,” Cherington said. “Only one year removed from an impressive run of durability and success, Jose
demonstrated a clear desire and commitment to improve while pitching in winter ball earlier this month. He is a strong competitor on the mound who also brings with him a terrific reputation as a teammate.”
The current Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and players association will expire Wednesday at 11:59 p.m at which all deals will need to be completed.
