Pittsburgh Pirates make bold moves with contract tenders
The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a significant decision as they move into the offseason, surprising fans with their commitment to several key players. As the non-tender deadline approached, the franchise opted to retain five arbitration-eligible athletes by offering them contracts for the upcoming season.
Key Players Retained
Among those tendered contracts are center fielder Oneil Cruz and catcher Joey Bart, both of whom are pivotal to the Pirates’ future. The team also secured contracts for right-handed pitchers Justin Lawrence and Dennis Santana, both of whom have shown promise in their roles as relievers. Additionally, starting pitcher Johan Oviedo has been retained, highlighting the Pirates’ focus on maintaining a strong pitching staff.
Commitment to Pre-Arbitration Players
In a move that signals confidence in their roster, the Pirates extended contracts to all pre-arbitration players as well. This decision, reported by Danny Demilio of Pittsburgh Baseball Now, reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering young talent and building a competitive team moving forward.
The Pirates’ proactive approach in retaining these players demonstrates a clear intention to strengthen their lineup and pitching rotation, setting the stage for a potentially transformative season ahead.

