The Pirates have avoided arbitration with four of their players.
93.7 The Fan Sports Director Jeff Hathhorn confirms that the Pirates have avoided arbitration with closer David Bednar at $4.51 million, starting pitcher Mitch Keller at $5.44 million, outfielder Edward Olivares at $1.35 million and infielder/outfielder Connor Joe at $2.12 million.
Bednar had 39 saves over 66 games last year, going 3-3 with 80 strike outs over 67.1 innings.
Bednar has two more years of arbitration after this season before becoming a free agent in 2027.
Keller went 13-9 last season for the Pirates over 32 starts. He finished the season with a 4.21 ERA with 210 strike outs over 194.1 winnings.
Keller has one more year of arbitration in 2025.
There has been talk of Keller signing an extension going back to early last season.
Even with both sides reportedly interested, a deal has yet to get done.
Joe hit .247 last season with the Pirates. He has 11 home runs and 42 RBI.
Joe is in his first year of arbitration and is under team control until 2028.
Olivares, who was acquired from the Kansas City Royals in the offseason had a .263 batting average, with 12 home runs, 36 RBI and 11 stolen bases.
The Pirates sent minor league utility player Deivis Nadal to the Royals for Olivares.
Olivares is also in his first year of arbitration. He’s under team control until 2027.
The Pirates avoided arbitration on Wednesday with pitcher JT Brubaker. He’s getting $2.28 million on his one-year deal.