Skenes was named the 2024 National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year on Monday.
This award comes as no surprise for Skenes, who earned 23 first-place votes and seven second-place votes in a landslide victory. The flamethrower posted an eye-poping 1.96 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with 170 strikeouts over 23 starts (133.0 innings) during his rookie campaign. However, Skenes already has his sights on next season, per Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I was super pleased with this year, going out there and competing. But there's more work to be done."
Pirates' Yerry Rodriguez: Minor-league deal with Pittsburgh
Rotowire
The Pirates signed Rodriguez to a minor-league contract Monday that includes an invitation to spring training, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Rodriguez, 27, appeared in 30 games at the major-league level from 2022-24 posting an 8.17 ERA and 33:19 K:BB over 36.1 innings. The righty reliever boasts a 28.3 percent strikeout rate during his time at the Triple-A level, so he has some bat-missing ability if he can just throw enough strikes.
Pirates' Isaac Mattson: Removed from 40-man roster
Rotowire
The Pirates outrighted Mattson to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Mattson is no longer on the 40-man roster but will stick around in the organization. He allowed three runs over 5.1 relief innings for the Pirates this season.
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Pirates' Daulton Jefferies: Outrighted to Triple-A
Rotowire
The Pirates outrighted Jefferies to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Jefferies has been outrighted previously, so he could elect free agency if he wants. The right-hander ended the season on the 60-day injured list with an elbow injury, but he had been making rehab starts so he should be healthy heading into the offseason.
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Pirates' Ben Heller: Outrighted to Triple-A
Rotowire
The Pirates outrighted Heller (shoulder) to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Heller ended the season on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder issue. He's off the 60-day IL but will not return to the 40-man roster. It's not clear how healthy his shoulder is now.
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Pirates' Trey Cabbage: Claimed by Pittsburgh
Rotowire
The Pirates claimed Cabbage off waivers from the Astros on Monday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Cabbage, 27, slashed just .209/.253/.337 with a 37.4 percent strikeout rate this season with the Astros. He's shown big power and some speed in the minors and the Pirates will hope they can get more out of the outfielder at the major-league level.
Pirates' Malcom Nunez: Back with Pittsburgh as NRI
Rotowire
The Pirates re-signed Nunez to a minor-league contract Friday with an invitation to spring training, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.
Nunez, who turns 24 in March, slashed .250/.310/.365 with 11 home runs over 128 games this season for Triple-A Indianapolis. He'll be with the Pirates in spring training but is likely headed back to Indianapolis to begin 2025.
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Pirates' Tristan Gray: Claimed by Pittsburgh
Rotowire
The Pirates claimed Gray off waivers from the Athletics on Thursday.
Gray appeared in 15 MLB games last season between the Marlins and A's, during which he went 3-for-28 with 16 strikeouts. He fared much better in Triple-A, where he slashed .248/.317/.462 across 470 plate appearances. He'll claim a spot on the 40-man roster as he joins the Pirates organization, though he'll most likely begin the season with Triple-A Indianapolis.
Pirates' Yohan Ramirez: Latches on with Pittsburgh
Rotowire
The Pirates signed Ramirez to a minor-league contract on Oct. 13.
Ramirez, 29, made a total of 32 appearances during stints with the Mets, Orioles, Dodgers and Red Sox in 2024, accumulating a 6.20 ERA and 45:17 K:BB over 45 innings. The right-hander will give the Pirates some organizational relief depth.
