RADIO
Pirates Release Veteran Marcell Ozuna
The Pittsburgh Pirates released veteran outfielder/designated hitter Marcell Ozuna on Wednesday, a source told Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Pirates cut Ozuna after signing him to a one-year, $12 million deal in the offseason. The 35-year-old Dominican veteran started the year as the team's full-time DH, but he quickly became a part-time player in Pittsburgh due to his ongoing struggles at the plate. Ozuna has hit just .203/.286/.327 with a .612 OPS, eight home runs, 29 RBI, 22 runs scored, and a career-high 28.6% strikeout rate in 280 plate appearances across 70 games in his 14th year in the big leagues. The right-handed slugger had gone 8-for-37 (.216) with a homer, a double, three RBI, four runs scored, six walks, and nine strikeouts in 12 games in the month of July. Ozuna will look to latch on with another team for the stretch run, but he's unlikely to suddenly re-emerge on the fantasy radar. The three-time All-Star hit a career-high 40 home runs just several years ago in 2023 with the Atlanta Braves, but he's seen a sharp decline in his offensive skills the last two seasons.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Colin Beazley
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Colin Beazley
Pirates to Promote Ronny Simon After Dominant Triple-A Effort
Pittsburgh Pirates infield/outfield prospect Ronny Simon is expected to get the call to the big leagues on Wednesday after a strong campaign at Triple-A Indianapolis. The 5-foot-8 Dominican hit .330 with seven home runs and 33 steals in 99 games for the Indians, while producing a strong .419 on-base percentage thanks in part to a 12.4 percent walk rate. Despite not having big home run totals, his hard-hit rate, average exit velocity (EV), and max EV all register 84th percentile or better at Triple-A, so he has the ability to hit for extra bases, and along with his speed, there are some attributes here that make him a potential fantasy asset. Though the switch-hitter didn't do much in his previous taste of the majors in 2025, there is reason to believe he could have more success this time around. With eligibility at 2B and OF in Yahoo! leagues, the 26-year-old is worth a look in deeper 12+ team leagues, or for any fantasy managers searching the waiver wire for steals.
Source: Alex Stumpf
Source: Alex Stumpf
Luke Weaver a Priority Waiver-Wire Pickup for Saves-Needy Managers
The New York Mets sent veteran right-handed reliever Luke Weaver to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Monday's trade deadline, and he figures to immediately become the Pirates' preferred option for saves in the ninth inning. It means that Weaver is one of the bigger trade-deadline winners in terms of a boost to his fantasy value for the rest of the 2026 season. The 32-year-old was excellent for the Mets in his 42 relief appearances (44 innings), posting a 1.84 ERA and 0.82 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 11 walks, but he had just one save in his first year in Queens. The former first-rounder by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014 from Florida State University has been nearly untouchable since the start of June, allowing just two runs (one earned) while walking only three and striking out 21 in 19 1/3 innings to go with his only save of the season and eight holds. At the very least, Weaver should continue to be a great source of holds in the Steel City, but the expectation is that he'll see a big boost in save opportunities now that he's not setting up for closer Devin Williams with the Mets.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Mason Montgomery Emerging as Potential Waiver-Wire Target
Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed reliever Mason Montgomery allowed one hit and struck out the side in his inning of work on Monday to pick up his third save of the year in the 4-3 win on the road against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. The 26-year-old southpaw was used in this contest after both left-hander Gregory Soto and the newly-acquired Camilo Doval, and all three of his saves this season have come since July 11. Montgomery has been strong at the back end of Pittsburgh's bullpen since the start of July, giving up just two earned runs with five walks, 26 strikeouts, two wins, three saves, and a hold. In just his third major-league season and first with the Bucs in 2026, Montgomery has gone 4-3 with a 3.72 ERA (2.75 FIP), 1.19 WHIP, and 72:21 K:BB in 46 innings across 47 appearances (five starts). Montgomery has become more intriguing as a deep-league source of saves, but his opportunities figure to dwindle after the Pirates acquired right-handed reliever Luke Weaver from the New York Mets at Monday's trade deadline. Weaver is expected to become Pittsburgh's primary closer the rest of the way.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Pirates Acquiring Late-Inning Reliever Luke Weaver From the Mets
The Pittsburgh Pirates are acquiring right-handed reliever Luke Weaver from the New York Mets on Monday, a source told Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Weaver was one of the few bright spots for the Mets in 2026, going 2-1 with a stingy 1.84 ERA (0.82 WHIP), one save, 45 strikeouts and 11 walks in 44 innings pitched out of the bullpen. Left-hander Gregory Soto has been Pittsburgh's primary source of saves so far in 2026, but he's been pretty volatile, so it seems likely that Weaver is going to get a huge fantasy boost and jump into save opportunities in his new digs. The 32-year-old Weaver will remain under contract with Pittsburgh through the 2027 season and will be paid $12.5 million. He's currently only rostered in 17% of Yahoo leagues, but with the trade to the Pirates, Weaver's fantasy stock should improve drastically in the coming days. Weaver is in his 11th season in the majors, with all 13 of his career saves coming in the last three years.
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Nick Gonzales Drawing Attention After Recent Lengthy Hitting Streak
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Nick Gonzales has been drawing more attention on the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues because of his recent hot streak at the plate. Gonzales has gone 0-for-8 so far in two games to begin the month of August, but he ended July on a 15-game hitting streak in which he went 25-for-66 (.379) with two home runs, five doubles, eight RBI, and 11 runs scored in 67 plate appearances. The 27-year-old's hot streak has boosted his overall line in 2026 to .312/.366/.405 with a .771 OPS, six home runs, 50 RBI, 61 runs scored, and five stolen bases across his 407 at-bats in his fourth year in the big leagues with the Bucs. With rookie infielder Konnor Griffin (finger) most likely sidelined until the final month of the regular season, Gonzales should remain locked in as Pittsburgh's primary third baseman, and if he stays hot at the plate, he will continue to be picked up in more leagues. The former first-rounder from New Mexico State University is currently rostered in 57% of Yahoo leagues. He already has a career high in RBI and needs just two more home runs to set a new career high in that category as well.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Gregory Soto Re-Emerging as Ninth-Inning Favorite in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Gregory Soto picked up his 14th save of the season on Saturday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout in his team's 4-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds. It was a nice bounce-back outing for Soto, who allowed the game-winning run to score after entering the ninth inning with the game tied against Cincinnati on Thursday. Soto had a rough month in June, allowing 11 earned runs in 7 1/3 innings. However, he stabilized himself in July, allowing just two earned runs while notching 11 strikeouts and two saves. Soto's numbers for the year overall remain strong, as he's posted a 27.7% strikeout rate and a 3.69 ERA. Barring an addition to the Pirates' bullpen in the next couple of days before the trade deadline, Soto remains the saves source to target in Pittsburgh.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan O'Hearn Out 6-8 Weeks With Quadriceps Strain
The Pittsburgh Pirates placed first baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn (quadriceps) on the 10-day injured list on Saturday with a strained left quadriceps muscle that is expected to keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, according to Jason Mackey. O'Hearn injured his quad while running to first base on Friday, and the injury could keep him out for the remainder of the 2026 season. It's a really tough break for the 33-year-old left-handed slugger, who was in the midst of the best year of his MLB career. If O'Hearn doesn't play again for Pittsburgh this year, he'll finish with a .270/.334/.454 slash line, a .788 OPS, a career-high-tying 17 home runs, 69 RBI, 54 runs scored, and a stolen base in 96 games across 398 plate appearances. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues should not feel the need to hold O'Hearn on their rosters because of the high likelihood he won't play again this year. Rookie Rafael Flores Jr., who is coming off the concussion injured list, and Jacob Gonzalez could split playing time at first base for the Bucs going forward with O'Hearn on the shelf.
Source: Jason Mackey
Source: Jason Mackey
Ryan O'Hearn Suffers Quad Injury on Friday
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ryan O'Hearn (quad) was removed during Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. O'Hearn appears to have suffered a quad injury while running to first base during the ninth inning of Friday's loss. He needed to be helped off the field and was reportedly using crutches in the clubhouse. Pirates' manager Don Kelly said that the injury didn't look good, so the team will likely send O'Hearn for additional testing. There should be more information on his status ahead of Saturday's contest. For now, fantasy managers can consider O'Hearn as day-to-day, but don't be shocked if he lands on the Injured List. Jacob Gonzalez could potentially move to first base if O'Hearn misses time.
Source: Colin Beazley
Source: Colin Beazley
Gregory Soto Sees Fantasy Value Drop Following Another Loss
It's becoming harder to recommend holding Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed reliever Gregory Soto after he took a loss on Thursday against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds. Soto entered a tied ballgame at 2-2 in the ninth inning and allowed the winning run on a hit, two walks, and a strikeout in two-thirds of an inning to lose his third game of the year. Despite the loss, the 31-year-old veteran southpaw did come into his appearance on Thursday in Cincinnati with seven straight scoreless outings, which included two saves with seven strikeouts and two walks. Despite being up and down all year, the Dominican reliever has been Pittsburgh's most consistent source of saves. Soto now sits at 5-3 with a 3.77 ERA (3.76 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, 13 saves, 52 strikeouts, and 20 walks in 45 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. The leash is going to be short with Soto, and if more struggles follow, Mason Montgomery could begin to see more save opportunities in the Steel City. Soto is currently rostered in only 36% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Seth Hernandez Out 6-8 Weeks, Likely Done for the Season
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitching prospect Seth Hernandez (oblique) landed on the seven-day injured list last weekend and could now be done for the rest of the year. The Pirates revealed on Wednesday that Hernandez is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks while recovering from a left oblique strain. His season is likely over, with High-A Greensboro finishing the season on September 6. Hernandez owns a 2.43 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a 118/31 K/BB ratio across 18 starts between Greensboro and Class-A Bradenton. This shouldn't be an injury that impacts his status heading into the 2027 season. Hernandez is one of the best pitching prospects in the league and could very well be in Pittsburgh as early as next season.
Source: Alex Stumpf
Source: Alex Stumpf
Oneil Cruz is Cleared for All Baseball Activities
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz (hand) has been cleared to resume all baseball activities on Wednesday. Cruz appears to be finally trending in the right direction as he continues to work his way back from a fractured left hand. The organization is hopeful he can start swinging the bat soon and then head out on a minor league rehab assignment. He's eligible to return from the 60-day Injured List on August 7, so hopefully he'll be ready around that time. Jake Mangum has been starting in center field, but will likely head to a bench role once Cruz is ready to play. Fantasy managers will hopefully get Cruz back in the mix within the next two weeks.
Source: Alex Stumpf
Source: Alex Stumpf
Nick Gonzales Emerging as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Amidst July Surge
Across 422 plate appearances in 2026, Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Nick Gonzales is hitting .315/.370/.411 with six home runs, 47 RBI, 59 runs scored, and four stolen bases. The 27-year-old has emerged as Pittsburgh's everyday third baseman in recent weeks amidst a surge at the plate in July. Across 99 plate appearances this month, Gonzales is hitting .385 with three home runs, 12 RBI, and 15 runs scored. Gonzales' power upside is minimal, as he's posted just a 3.2% barrel rate and 36.4% hard-hit rate. However, Gonzales profiles as a steady source of batting average for fantasy managers who should continue to rack up counting stats in an everyday role in the solid Pittsburgh lineup. He also brings multi-positional eligibility in most fantasy leagues, which makes him useful roster depth. Where available, Gonzales profiles as a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hunter Barco Being Recalled by Pirates, Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire?
Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Hunter Barco is on his way back to the big leagues, per Jason Mackey of MLB.com. Barco made Pittsburgh's Opening Day roster in a bulk relief role, but he struggled to a 7.71 ERA and 1.97 WHIP across 11 2/3 innings (five games) and has been in the minors since late April. The young left-hander has worked as both a starter and a reliever this year at Triple-A, recording a 3-6 record with a 4.87 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts across 44 1/3 innings (13 games). Barco seems likely to fill a spot in the Pirates' bullpen, which has been an area of weakness for Pittsburgh this season. While command has been an issue for the 25-year-old, he's shown the ability to generate swing-and-miss in the minor leagues. In a true one-inning role, Barco's stuff could play up. Deep league managers hunting for saves upside may want to consider stashing Barco off the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Mackey
Source: MLB.com - Jason Mackey
Pirates Promoting Jhostynxon Garcia to the Big Leagues
Pittsburgh Pirates outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia is being promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis to the big leagues on Wednesday, per Jason Mackey of MLB.com. Garcia struggled in a small sample size of 37 plate appearances upon making his Pirates debut in late May, hitting .200 with one extra-base hit and a 27% strikeout rate. However, the 23-year-old has been productive this season in the minor leagues, slashing .279/.346/.459 with 10 home runs, 35 RBI, 43 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 263 plate appearances. Bryan Reynolds and Esmerlyn Valdez are likely locked into everyday playing time in the corner outfield spots in Pittsburgh, but Garcia could steal playing time in center field from Jake Mangum or at designated hitter from Marcell Ozuna. In deeper leagues, Garcia may be worth targeting on the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Mackey
Source: MLB.com - Jason Mackey
