Entering the offseason with a large class of Rule 5 eligible prospects and a roster crunch on a roster crunch on the horizon, the question surrounding the Pirates was how many spots would be opened up to protect their minor-league players
As it turns out, only four, with shortstop Liover Peguero and outfielders Travis Swaggerty, Canaan Smith-Njigba and Jack Suwinski having their contracts selected. After utilityman Phillip Evans, right-hander Tanner Anderson and catcher Taylor Davis were released earlier this week, backup catcher Michael Pérez was designated for assignment Friday to open up a final spot.