The Pirates made their first roster moves of their offseason Tuesday, claiming right-handed pitcher Beau Sulser and catcher Ali Sánchez off waivers.
To make room on the roster, the team designated catcher José Godoy for assignment.
Sánchez, 25, split time between the Cardinals' and Tigers' Class AAA affiliates in 2022 but did not reach the majors for either club. He slashed .262/.354/.389 with six home runs and 33 RBIs over 291 minor-league plate appearances last year.
A long-time Mets farmhand, Sánchez has bounced around the last few years, getting briefs cups of coffee in the majors with the Mets and Cardinals, where he amassed 14 plate appearances over seven games played.
He does not have any minor-league options remaining, meaning he will need to make the opening day team.
Sulser, 28, is returning to the franchise that drafted him back in 2017. He made his major-league debut in April and pitched 9 2/3 innings of relief with them. He was designated for assignment in May and claimed by the Orioles, where he bounced between the majors and minors all season.
Suler recorded a 4.13 ERA in the minors and a 3.63 ERA in 10 major-league appearances in 2022. He has two minor-league option years remaining.
Godoy provided the Pirates some catching depth late in the season and went 1-for-20 at the plate for them.
The Pirates' current active roster is now at 40, but they are currently rostering 46 players via the 60-day injured list.
They will need to get that number down to 40 (without the 60 day IL) within five days of the World Series. Two spots will be opened when Ben Gamel and Roberto Pérez become free agents.
