Pirates Made Right Decision on Recent Waiver Moves

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates had to make decisions before finalizing their 40-man roster, which saw difficult choices, but ultimately, the correct ones.

The Pirates, like every other MLB team, had to get their 40-man roster to just 40 players, which includes those dealing with long-term injuries.

Players on the 60-day injured list during the season don't count towards the 40-man roster, but they will on the deadline on Nov. 6.

What Moves Did the Pirates Make for the 40-Man Roster Deadline

The Pirates have five players on the 60-day injured list, which includes right-handed pitchers in Dugan Darnell and Jared Jones, infielder Enmanuel Valdez, outfielder Ronny Simon and catcher/first baseman Endy Rodríguez.

Pittsburgh, who was at 43 players on the 40-man roster, placed three players on waivers to get down to the 40-player limit, which included right-handed pitcher Jack Little, infielder Liover Peguero and outfielder Ji Hwan Bae.

The other 29 MLB teams can claim them off waivers, but if they don't, the Pirates will outright them to the minor league, where they'll most likely elect free agency.

Why These Moves Make Sense for the Pirates

Pirates fans and players alike love Peguero, but his time at the MLB level didn't show much promise.

He slashed .227/.278/.368 for an OPS of .646 in 96 games with the Pirates, posting 66 hits, six doubles, one triple, 11 home runs, 36 RBIs, 10 stolen bases on 12 attempts and 18 walks to 97 strikeouts.

The Pirates, who struggled massively from the plate in 2025, didn't get much from Peguero this season, as he slashed .200/.273/.363 for an OPS of .635 in 33 games, with 16 hits in 80 at-bats, a double, four home runs, eight RBIs and six walks to 25 strikeouts.

There was high hope for Peguero, who was once a high-valued prospect in the Pirates system, and a player they got in the trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Starling Marte, but he never reached his full potential with the franchise.