Delay and Hall’s departures make the path to naming a backup catcher and starting first baseman clearer.
The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to shrink their Major League roster in spring training before the beginning of the 2025 season.
On Tuesday, the Pirates optioned catcher Jason Delay to Triple-A Indianapolis. The team also reassigned seven players to Minor League spring training, including one potential option at first base. Delay started camp fighting to be the second catcher behind Joey Bart. Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez are the two top candidates to make the Opening Day roster as a part of the 26-man team.
Infielder Darick Hall entered spring in a battle with DJ Stewart, Nick Yorke, and Billy Cook for first-base reps while Spencer Horwitz remains sidelined for the start of the year with a wrist injury.
Hall hit .190 in 21 at-bats, registering four hits, three of them home runs, and five RBIs. The 29-year-old will likely start in Triple-A Indianapolis as a depth option. Multiple Pirates reporters have stated that Stewart is most likely to fill Horwitz’s shoes to start the year.
The Pirates also reassigned catcher Abrahan Gutierrez, utilityman Nick Solak, infielder Alika Williams, first baseman/outfielder Matt Gorski, outfielder Bryce Johnson, and right-handed pitcher Yohan Ramirez.
Williams spent time with the Bucs last season before being designated for assignment in February and optioned him back to Triple-A.
The Pirates now have 42 players in MLB spring ball as nine days remain before Opening Day. Paul Skenes will start for the Pirates in Miami against the Marlins on March 27 at 4:10 p.m.