As the regular season approaches, the Pittsburgh Pirates are in the thick of finalizing their roster, trimming it down to the essential 26 players. Amidst the expected cuts, one move that might have slipped under the radar but carries significant weight was the optioning of infielder Enmanuel Valdez.
Last season, when Nick Gonzales fractured his ankle after a home run on Opening Day, it was Valdez, not Nick Yorke, who got the call-up. Valdez proved his worth, becoming one of the Pirates' more reliable hitters during a challenging 24-game stretch in April and May. During that period, the Pirates struggled with a 10-14 record and averaged 3.6 runs per game, but Valdez shone with an impressive .816 OPS and an almost elite strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Valdez primarily filled in at first base due to Spencer Horwitz's absence, but a dislocated shoulder in early May cut his season short. Coming into this spring, Valdez was back in action, but his performance at the plate, a mere 2-for-26, didn't help his case for a roster spot.
With Valdez's early demotion and the competition still fierce for roster spots, Tyler Callihan emerges as a potential key player. Acquired from the Reds in exchange for reliever Kyle Nicolas, Callihan represents the Pirates' strategic approach of trading arms for bats.
At 25, Callihan posted a stellar .938 OPS at Triple-A Louisville in 2025, showing promise as a versatile left-handed hitter who can cover multiple positions. Like Valdez, his 2025 season was cut short by injury, breaking his arm in his fourth MLB game.
This spring, Callihan has been working on adjustments, recently hitting his first home run against the Tigers. He's also been getting substantial reps at third base, a position the Pirates haven't solidified despite offseason rumors.
Callihan is in a competitive race with players like Gonzales, Yorke, and Alika Williams for a spot on the bench. Meanwhile, 19-year-old standout Konnor Griffin remains a wildcard, still in camp with a shot at starting as the team's shortstop.
The Pirates have made significant efforts to bolster their lineup and add depth this offseason. Whether Callihan can be a part of that depth remains to be seen, but his continued presence in MLB camp is a positive sign for his potential impact on the team.