The Pirates opted to protect most of their top prospects who were eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this year, selecting the contracts of outfielder/first baseman Esmerlyn Valdez (No. 15 on MLB Pipeline’s list of the top Pirates prospects), infielder Jack Brannigan (No. 21), left-hander Tyler Samaniego and right-handers Wilber Dotel (No. 28), Antwone Kelly and Brandan Bidois.
To make room on the roster, right-handers Dauri Moreta and Colin Holderman, utilityman Ronny Simon and outfielder Alexander Canario have been designated for assignment. Infielder Cam Devanney was released to pursue an opportunity overseas.
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Valdez was one of the top hitters in the Pirates’ farm system this year, slashing .286/.376/.520 with 26 home runs and 25 doubles between High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona. The 21-year-old slugger was named the organization’s Willie Stargell Minor League Slugger of the Year, and he also tore up the Arizona Fall League, being named the AFL Offensive Player of the Year.
“Knowing the work that he's put in and the commitment to developing all aspects to his game, it's not surprising to see a talented kid continue to get better when work ethic is present,” director of coaching and player development Michael Chernow said last month over Zoom.
Brannigan, 24, was limited to just 59 games after suffering a right shoulder injury in June. He underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in July, cutting the 2022 third-round pick’s season short. Injuries have been a common theme in his career, but he has performed well on the field, hitting 42 home runs with 45 stolen bases over 223 Minor League games the past three years.
Kelly, 22, also took a noticeable leap in 2024, rising from Greensboro to Altoona while posting a 3.02 ERA and 116 strikeouts over 107 1/3 innings. He also saw an uptick in velocity after working at Pittsburgh's baseball facilities in the United States for the first time last offseason, touching triple-digits for the first time in his career.
Dotel, 23, also enjoyed a breakout campaign with Altoona. He added a splitter and a cutter to his repertoire that paired well with his mid-90s fastball and heavy slider, resulting in him going 7-9 with a 4.15 ERA and 131 strikeouts over 125 2/3 innings.
Kelly and Dotel were used as starters last year, but have a mix that could potentially play out of the bullpen, as well.
Bidois, 24, was the organization’s Kent Tekulve Minor League Reliever of the Year after recording a 0.74 ERA while rising from Single-A Bradenton to Triple-A Indianapolis. He struck out 69 over 61 innings, primarily leaning on a mid-90s fastball and a high-spin slider. He also will mix in a changeup and curveball.
Samaniego, 26, appeared to be on a Major League trajectory a few years ago before injuries and a down year in 2023 presented obstacles. He had a nice bounceback with Altoona in the second half of this season, striking out 30 over 26 1/3 innings with a 3.08 ERA and 2.42 FIP. When he is on, he provides 96 mph heat and a spinning slider from the left side, something the Pirates don’t have a lot of with their current bullpen mix.
Only two Rule 5-eligible players on MLB Pipeline’s list of the top Pirates prospects were not added: catcher Omar Alfonzo (No. 19) and left-hander Anthony Solometo, the latter of whom is rehabbing a shoulder injury.
With the flurry of moves, the Pirates’ roster is currently full with 40 players. Nov. 21 is the non-tender deadline, meaning there could still be one noticeable shakeup to the roster that won’t come with corresponding moves.