Pittsburgh Pirates Put Gregory Polanco On Waivers

The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed outfielder Gregory Polanco on waivers. However, if he remains unclaimed, the Pirates plan on keeping him around.

Per sources: Pirates have placed Gregory Polanco on outright waivers, but it's more complicated than that.

Only way he's not a Pirate is if someone claims him -- and his salary. That's unlikely.

If nobody claims Polanco, he will remain part of the active roster, sources say.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) August 23, 2021

Furthermore, a primary reason why the Pirates are doing this is to give the veteran a chance to play on a contender.

For context on my last tweet, goal here isn't to get rid of Gregory Polanco. Pirates wanted to explore this option for 2 reasons.

Yes, to open up playing time and maybe move on, although there's little optimism he'll be claimed. Also to give him a shot to play for a contender.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) August 23, 2021

Once viewed as a top-of-the-line prospect for the Pirates, Polanco has since struggled significantly. He has not necessarily lived up to his current five-year, $35 million contract, either. Therefore, it does make sense that the Pirates would be looking to rid of his contract.

In 102 games this season, Polanco has a .199 batting average to go along with 11 home runs and 34 RBIs. He also has 14 stolen bases. His best season in the league came during the 2018 season. In 130 games, he hit 23 home runs and had 81 RBIs. He also batted .254 that season. Since then, he has not come close to that production.

It will be interesting to see if any team is willing to take a chance on the 29-year-old. Yet, when seeing as how he isn't cheap and has taken a step back in terms of production, it seems unlikely.