The Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers began a three game series on Tuesday, September 24. Prior to their match up Rowdy Tellez was designated for assignment by the Pirates. This roster transaction saved Pittsburgh money as Tellez was just four plate appearances away from receiving an incentive bonus.
Former Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rowdy Tellez signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates last off-season.
After spending 2.5 seasons in Milwaukee Rowdy Tellez entered free agency at the end of the 2023 season. He ended up signing with the Brewers division rival in the Pittsburgh Pirates. His contract with Pittsburgh was a one year, $3.2 million deal with $200,000 incentive bonuses if he reached 425, 475, 525, and 575 plate appearances.
Rowdy Tellez was designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates just four plate appearances shy of an incentive bonus.
Entering play on Tuesday, September 24 Rowdy Tellez had 421 plate appearances on the season. Four more plate appearances would have earned him an additional $200,000. Instead of allowing him to reach this Pittsburgh made a business decision and cut ties with him.
Will this have an impact on the Pittsburgh Pirates down the road?
Overall this is not a good look for the Pittsburgh Pirates franchise. Baseball players pay attention to details like this and knowing that an organization has a track record of cutting ties with players prior to reaching incentive bonuses may impact their ability to sign free agents in the future.
Follow me on X @tylerkoerth. Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great up to date sports content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!. We cover the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers, and Wisconsin High School Sports. Additionally we provide the latest news coverage on the NFL, MLB, and NBA in which you can follow Gridiron Heroics, Hardwood Heroics, and Homeplate Heroics.