Pittsburgh Pirates: A New Direction in Free Agency?
The Pittsburgh Pirates, known for their caution in the free agent market, could be on the verge of a significant shift. According to reports, the team has presented a four-year offer to the prominent left-handed hitter Kyle Schwarber, which would represent a change in the organization’s strategy. This proposal, according to sources, would exceed $100 million, marking one of the largest contracts in the franchise’s history. However, despite the aggressiveness of the offer, Pittsburgh is still considered an unlikely destination for the outfielder/designated hitter, who has a wide market.A Historic Change for the Pirates
To date, the Pirates have only awarded one contract exceeding $100 million: the $106.75 million extension to outfielder Bryan Reynolds. Their biggest free agent signing remains the $39 million deal with Dominican Francisco Liriano in 2014. The incorporation of Schwarber, one of the most powerful hitters in MLB and historical leader in postseason home runs among active players, would send a clear message that the organization seeks to compete in the short term.Surprises in the Contemporary Era Committee Vote
In another news front from the world of baseball, last Sunday moments of excitement were experienced at the Signia by Hilton hotel in Orlando, where the results of the Contemporary Era Committee’s Hall of Fame voting were announced. The expectation of many Latino journalists and former players was the election of Puerto Rican Carlos Delgado, but the surprise came when the president of the Hall of Fame, Josh Rawitch, announced that the only one chosen was Jeff Kent, former second baseman with the Blue Jays, Mets and Giants. Delgado obtained nine of the 16 votes, remaining three short of the minimum required (12) for entry, which assures him a new opportunity in three years. On the other hand, the Mexican Fernando “El Toro” Valenzuela received less than five votes, which excludes him from the process of this committee until at least 2028.What Fernando did in baseball isn’t going to change because he doesn’t have a plaque… He’s in our museum.
Josh Rawitch
