Bucs bolster infield, agree to deal with Tellez
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The Pirates added a veteran to their young infield on Friday, announcing a one-year deal with first baseman Rowdy Tellez.
The agreement is worth $3.2 million plus $800,000 in performance incentives, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Tellez, 28, made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays in 2018 and was traded to the Brewers on July 6, 2021. He hit .226 with 55 home runs and a .743 OPS over three seasons with Milwaukee, slugging a career-high 35 homers in '22.
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The 2023 season was a struggle for Tellez, who posted a .215/.291/.376 slash line with 13 homers in 106 games. A below-average fielder and baserunner, Tellez had his poorest-graded offensive season to date this year, according to Statcast metrics.
A left-handed hitter, Tellez replaces the switch-hitting Carlos Santana, whom the Pirates traded to the Brewers shortly before the 2023 Trade Deadline. Pittsburgh played Connor Joe, a converted outfielder, at first base in 53 games last season.