TODAY: The Pirates have agreed to release Anderson, Alexander reports (via X), and the veteran righty is now free to sign with any team.
MARCH 22: Right-hander Chase Anderson is expected to trigger an out clause in his minor league contract with the Pirates, reports Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 (on X). If the Bucs don’t add him to the MLB roster, he’d become a free agent.
Anderson is among a host of veterans who faced opt-out decisions on Friday. He’s one of 31 players who had an automatic opt-out right in a minor league deal. That’s a CBA provision for Article XX(B) free agents — typically those with over six years of service time who finished the preceding season in the majors — who sign a non-roster pact more than 10 days before the start of the season. Anderson closed last season with the Rockies before inking a minor league deal with Pittsburgh in February.
The 36-year-old had been competing for a spot at the back of the rotation or as a long reliever. Pittsburgh called him out of the bullpen for three of his four outings this spring. Anderson has fared reasonably well, tossing 11 innings of three-run ball with nine strikeouts and three walks. However, the Bucs have a number of players competing for similar jobs.
Eric Lauer, Domingo Germán, Wily Peralta and Michael Plassmeyer all inked deals with non-roster invites to camp. Prospect Jared Jones might have pitched his way to the top of that group, while the Bucs have a few out-of-options arms (e.g. Roansy Contreras, Bailey Falter, Josh Fleming) who could block the path to middle relief reps.
Anderson tossed 86 1/3 innings at the major league level last season, his highest workload since 2019. Most of that came in Colorado, where he held a rotation spot for the second half. Anderson allowed a 5.75 ERA with a middling 17.5% strikeout rate while pitching his home games at Coors Field.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Time to walk the plank, matey!
YankeesBleacherCreature
We need an all opt-out team roster next week and pit them against the A’s. Someone ask Dan Szym at FG to run his simulation software.
SweetBabyRayKingsThickThighs
He’s got Red Sox written all over him
DockEllisDee
If I don’t see this after every SP opt-out article I’ll be disappointed. You’re doing great work
1979andcounting
He can catch the Sox bus right after the game.
Human Being
You called it.
0523me
Well done. You were right
tbfern
Back end rotation arm who could eat up some innings? Chase Anderson you ARE a Tampa Bay Ray.
seamaholic 2
They had him for a hot second last year.
szielinski
Jones should make the team as a starter.
Gwynning
I was thinking Domingo might have the inside lane… but I agree with you.
Dice 66
Hope he does ! Does Jones start today?
User 4095290658
Yes.
Buzzz Killington
The Pirates might chase him out first.
This one belongs to the Reds
“Mr. Anderson…”
Gwynning
“Whoa, I know karate.”
Yankee Clipper
“Judi Chop!”
Pickle_Britches
True trailer Park material
Steinbrenner2728
I don’t know karate, but I know ka-razor.
This one belongs to the Reds
I have dogs who know how to Shih Tzu.
holecamels35
Why do I have the sick feeling Colorado will sign him again?
dano62
Cashman sending Uber for Chase as we type…
Whyme
As A Jay’s fan how does this guy keep getting A shot? He was batting practice 4 years ago and doesn’t look like much has changed.
User 2161944466
He’s cheap, has 10 years of MLB experience, and teams are always looking for pitching. Guys like Anderson will always find a suitor in some form or another.
Hammerin' Hank
Teams love to sign potential prospect blockers.
CarryABigStick
Heh?
Hammerin' Hank
Now they need to release Perez and Marco, and clear the way for Jared Jones and Skenes. If they’re serious about competing in a weak division.
tiredolderdude
I didn’t like either signing and still think Gonzalez won’t be here long, but I get why they won’t rush Skenes, Jones, Solometo or Chandler. I really think the year in which they turn things around fully is ‘25
But I see your point. This is a very winnable division this year
Mr Goodkat
Always two years away it seems
tiredolderdude
Yes, perpetual rebuild. It’s a Pirates thing
stymeedone
Give Skenes a chance to develop in the minors. No reason to rush and ruin him.
Wheeler Dealer
Not sure Pirates should be cutting anyone
Grumpofm
He was a long shot to make the team. Hardly say it’s surprising that he’s gone.