Pittsburgh Pirates Part Ways with Rowdy Tellez Ahead of Bonus Milestone

The Pittsburgh Pirates have released first baseman Rowdy Tellez just four plate appearances shy of a $200,000 performance bonus. The move was announced on Tuesday, with Pirates general manager Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton asserting that the potential bonus did not influence the decision.

Tellez had been playing under a one-year, $3.2 million contract that included incentives based on plate appearances, potential all-star selection, and postseason awards. The decision to release the 29-year-old player comes within the final stretch of the season, as the Pirates have already been eliminated from playoff contention with just six games remaining.

General Manager Cherington stated, “We feel like we gave Rowdy lots of opportunity here this year. To his credit, he fought through some difficult times earlier in the year and fought his way out of it. Had periods of success and periods of frustration. This is just where we got to in the season.” He reiterated that the pending bonus was “zero factor” in Tellez’s release.

Prior to his release, Tellez hit .243 with 13 home runs and 56 runs batted in over 131 games this season. Over his seven-year Major League Baseball career, Tellez has recorded a .234 batting average with 105 home runs and 319 runs batted in with teams including the Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Pirates.

The Pirates simultaneously designated veteran outfielder Michael A. Taylor for assignment and called up outfielders Joshua Palacios and infielder Liover Peguero from Triple-A Indianapolis. Taylor, unlike Tellez, was not near triggering any bonus incentives in his contract.

Regarding the roster changes, Cherington explained, “In the old days of expanded rosters, we probably wouldn’t be sitting here having this conversation. But there are 28 spots, and 14 are going to go to position players. We feel like we have to get the 14 guys on the team, wherever we can, who have the best chance to contribute past this year. I think our players understand that.”

The decision sparked debates among fans and analysts, with some criticizing the Pirates for the timing of Tellez’s release just before earning his bonus. “It’s unnecessarily cheap,” commented sports analyst Jeff Blair, warning of potential negative optics for the team.