As we enter the final month of regular season play, many teams out of the playoff race or in slight contention already have their mindset ahead on the 2024 season. For the Pittsburgh Pirates, they have a couple free agents set to hit the open market. Today, we’ll look at the likelihood on how likely they’ll be to hit the open market or return to the black and gold. (note: I’m including players that have played at least 1 MLB game with the club this season)

OF Andrew McCutchen

His desired interest to return in 2024 to the Steel City makes this option seem to fluctuate one of two ways; Stay a Pirate or hang it up. More than likely, option number one will be the one to prevail but the slim margin of him going with option two or even one where he leaves Pittsburgh all together is there. Owner Bob Nutting stated the door is always open for him on this team as long as he wants to play. For now though, it seems the chances of him staying a bucco are at about 90%.

P Vince Velasquez

He started off not too bad in his beginnings of the 2023 season until the right elbow caused some problems for him in late May. That would be the end of his season. Vinny was a capable starter who could pitch quality innings on any team and if he recovers quickly on a team he’ll be back in business. I could see it being with the Pirates on another one year deal or maybe with an in between team elsewhere. I’ll put it about 40% chance of return rate for him to come back.

P Jarlin Garcia

Garcia got hurt in spring training and hasn’t pitched a game for the black and gold. He has a club option for 2024, but with the likes of Ryan Bourcki emerging, the chances of Garcia are slim to none. I’ll say a 5% chance his option is picked up.

INF Chris Owings

He had an amazing spring training but wouldn’t be able to crack the roster immediately. He came up for the early half of May and stuck around till early June before being DFAd. He is an average role player who can come up and be serviceable if needed. With a crowded infield, Owings will most likely walk in free agency.

P Chase DeJong

A staple of the bullpen in 2022 turned out to be a flash in the pan as 2023 was rough for DeJong. He bounced between Triple A and the MLB along with off and on DFA assignments. Another player like Owings that can be serviceable but it seems his time with Pittsburgh is over.

P Duane Underwood JR

He showed flashes of greatness at times that made him relive the top prospect hype he had with Chicago. 2023 was also very rough for him, as he would be DFA at the end of May. He has struggled mightily in Triple A since then and has since gone on the development list. A change of scenery is needed in the offseason to hopefully retool and rekindle the top prospect magic he once had.