Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington addressed the decision to designate first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment, emphasizing that a $200,000 bonus tied to his reaching 425 plate appearances had “zero factor” in the choice. Cherington stated, “We were aware of it, certainly, but it had no bearing on our decision at all.” He expressed confidence that this move would not negatively influence the clubhouse dynamics or the team’s reputation as it heads into the offseason.
Along with Tellez, center fielder Michael A. Taylor was also designated for assignment, with reports indicating he was not on track for performance bonuses. Local sportswriter Jason Mackey criticized the Pirates’ decision, claiming it could unfairly amplify the team’s existing reputation for being “cheap” and reflecting poor management awareness.
Mackey noted the potential implications of such moves, suggesting they complicate the Pirates’ efforts to attract free agents. The guaranteed salaries of both Tellez and Taylor mean that the only financial gain for the team from this decision is the saving of Tellez’s bonus.
Another local writer, Tim Benz, echoed Mackey’s sentiments, suggesting that while the team was within its rights to make the move regarding Tellez, the decision’s reasoning appeared questionable. He humorously proposed that the saved funds could be better allocated towards hiring a public relations firm to improve the front office’s public engagement strategy. The broader perception is that the organization remains a frequent target of scrutiny within baseball circles, and this particular choice does little to help its standing.