Pittsburgh Pirates have designated pitcher Jake Woodford for assignment, a move that may signal the beginning of a series of roster changes for the team. With an 8.01 ERA this season, Woodford has struggled to find his rhythm on the mound, and the Pirates are opting to explore other options as they seek to improve their pitching staff. This decision could be the start of broader shifts within the team’s roster as they look to stay competitive in the National League.
Woodford, who was acquired by the Pirates after several seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, failed to meet expectations in Pittsburgh. His command issues and inability to keep runs off the board have been glaring problems throughout the season. Despite a few promising outings early in the year, his overall performance fell short, prompting the Pirates to designate him for assignment and reassess their pitching options.
The move is part of a larger trend for the Pirates, who have been seeking consistency in their rotation and bullpen all season long. Injuries, underperformance, and inconsistency have plagued the team’s pitching, forcing them to make tough decisions. By designating Woodford, the Pirates are signaling that more changes may be on the horizon as they evaluate their roster ahead of the offseason.
“Jake worked hard, but we felt it was time to make a change,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “We need to find stability in our pitching staff, and sometimes that means making difficult choices. This move gives us the flexibility to look at other options as we plan for the future.”
With Woodford now in DFA limbo, the question remains whether another team will take a chance on him. Despite his poor numbers this season, Woodford still has experience as a starter and reliever in the major leagues, which could make him an appealing option for teams in need of pitching depth. His previous success with the Cardinals may also give other clubs hope that he can turn things around with a fresh start.
For the Pirates, Woodford’s designation clears a spot on the 40-man roster, giving them room to make additional moves if necessary. Whether they choose to promote a promising arm from their farm system or seek outside help, this decision highlights the team’s desire to improve and remain competitive. With the offseason looming, this could be the first of several roster changes as Pittsburgh looks to build a stronger squad for the 2025 season.
As the season winds down, all eyes will be on whether Woodford finds a new home or if the Pirates’ decision to part ways with him leads to further moves. Either way, this marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the organization as they look toward the future.
Leave a Reply