The Pittsburgh Pirates just dropped a bombshell, completely overhauling their roster with a series of bold moves just hours before the free agency frenzy begins. But here's where it gets controversial: among the changes, they've decided to bet big on a young fireballer, Ryan Harbin, whose blazing fastball and nasty splitter could be a game-changer—or a risky gamble. And this is the part most people miss: while some fan favorites like Ji Hwan Bae and Liover Peguero are now gone, the Pirates are clearly prioritizing potential over proven talent, a strategy that’s sure to spark debate among fans.
In a whirlwind of transactions ahead of Thursday’s 5 p.m. ET free agency deadline, the Pirates made several strategic adjustments. Notably, they selected the contract of 24-year-old right-handed reliever Ryan Harbin, whose meteoric rise through the minors this season—from High-A Greensboro to Triple-A Indianapolis—has turned heads. Despite a 4.69 ERA, Harbin’s 92 strikeouts in 63 1/3 innings and a staggering 31.9 percent strikeout rate (the highest among Pirates prospects with at least 40 innings) make him a high-ceiling prospect. However, his 16 percent walk rate raises questions about control, adding an element of risk to his potential reward. Harbin’s arsenal includes a high-90s fastball, a high-spin slider, and a splitter that averaged an impressive 35 inches of drop in Triple-A—a trio of pitches that could dominate if he finds consistency.
The Pirates had no choice but to act now: Harbin was set to become a Minor League free agent, and with the tender deadline looming on Nov. 21 for Rule 5 Draft-eligible prospects like Esmerlyn Valdez and Omar Alfonzo, the team couldn’t afford to lose him. This move underscores the Pirates’ willingness to take calculated risks on young talent, even if it means parting ways with once-promising players like Bae and Peguero, who struggled to make an impact at the Major League level.
Speaking of departures, right-hander Jack Little and outfielder Ji Hwan Bae were claimed off waivers by the Tigers and Mets, respectively, while infielder Liover Peguero cleared waivers and became a Minor League free agent. These moves signal a shift in the Pirates’ strategy, as they cut ties with players who failed to meet expectations despite their former prospect status. Bae and Peguero, in particular, spent most of the season in Indianapolis, and with Peguero out of Minor League options, his future with the organization was uncertain.
On the flip side, the Pirates reinstated several players from the 60-day injured list, including right-handers Jared Jones and Dugan Darnell, catcher/first baseman Endy Rodríguez, outfielder Ronny Simon, and infielder Enmanuel Valdez. However, Darnell and Michael Darrell-Hicks were designated for assignment, a procedural move since the injured list does not carry over into the offseason. Darnell, claimed from the Rockies last week, was immediately placed on the IL but is now back in the mix—though his role moving forward remains unclear.
With these changes, the Pirates’ roster now stands at 39 players, a number that will likely fluctuate as free agency kicks into high gear. The decision to prioritize high-upside prospects like Harbin over proven but underperforming players like Bae and Peguero is a bold one, and it raises a thought-provoking question: Are the Pirates building a championship contender, or are they sacrificing short-term success for a long-term gamble? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is one strategy that’s sure to divide opinions.
