Pittsburgh Pirates Claim Outfielder Off Waivers; DFA Utility Player
The move adds a right-handed power bat with minor-league thump to a club that could use outfield depth with Andrew McCutchen and Tommy Pham hitting free agency.
Robertson debuted in 2025 and split 27 games between the Toronto Blue Jays and White Sox, but his case rests on Triple-A production: a .289/.387/.571 line with 21 doubles and 20 homers across Buffalo and Charlotte.
The Pirates have claimed outfielder Will Robertson off waivers from the White Sox.
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) October 13, 2025
Robertson, 27, hit 20 home runs with a .958 OPS in 89 games in Triple-A. He slashed .129/.173/.143 in 75 MLB PAs.
Ryan Kreidler has been designated for assignment to make room on the roster.
Will Robertson claim adds low-cost pop and flexibility
Robertson, 27, can cover both corner spots and has occasional center-field experience, giving the Pirates matchup options while they sort roles around Bryan Reynolds, Jack Suwinski and others.
He recorded his first big-league hit with the Blue Jays on June 15 against the Philadelphia Phillies, then earned a longer look with Chicago in September. Strikeouts have been the challenge at the MLB level, but three straight minor-league seasons with 19 or more homers suggest bankable power that could translate with swing decisions and targeted usage.
Players Removed from #MLB 26-Man Roster #PittsburghPirates:
— MLB Roster Tracker (@MLBRosterStatus) October 14, 2025
-Ryan Kreidler [Removed from 40-Man]
Ryan Kreidler DFA opens 40-man lane
Kreidler, claimed from the Detroit Tigers in August, spent a week on the Pirates’ active roster but never appeared in a game before returning to Triple-A Indianapolis. His defensive versatility remains his calling card after big-league reps at second, short, third and both corner outfield spots with Detroit.
If he clears waivers, he’ll be eligible for minor-league free agency. For Pittsburgh, the swap effectively exchanges a utility profile for an outfield power bet as the front office calibrates depth ahead of 2026.
Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
