{"id":238001,"date":"2026-07-08T00:52:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T00:52:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/238001\/"},"modified":"2026-07-08T00:52:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T00:52:28","slug":"pirates-bring-back-former-outfielder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/238001\/","title":{"rendered":"Pirates Bring Back Former Outfielder"},"content":{"rendered":"

PITTSBURGH \u2014 The Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t opposed to having former players come back and make a contribution for the team once again.<\/p>\n

The Pirates signed outfielder Joshua Palacios to a minor league contract and optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis on July 7, per the transactions log.<\/p>\n

Palacios hasn’t played in the major leagues or minor leagues this season, so this is his first chance to get back out there and restart his professional career.<\/p>\n

Pirates fans have fond memories of Palacios and he could make it back to the ‘Steel City’ at some point this season.<\/p>\n

Why Pirates Signed Palacios<\/p>\n

The Pirates making this signing is a low-risk, high-reward deal, as they don’t lose much money giving Palacios another chance and if he performs, then they easily beneift.<\/p>\n

Palacios is 30 years old and has more than 200 games of MLB experience, making him someone the Pirates could add to the 40-man roster if they need outfield depth.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Aug 26, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Joshua Palacios (54) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

The Pirates have just one 40-man rostered outfielder in Triple-A, rookie Jhostynxon Garcia<\/a>, and don’t have many options outside of that, especially with outfielder Dominic Fletcher<\/a> exercising a contract opt-out.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh’s only other outfield options in Indianapolis are Ronny Simon<\/a> and P.J. Hilson, so this adds some depth to the roster. <\/p>\n

Remembering Palacios’ Time With the Pirates<\/p>\n

The Pirates took Palacios in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft in the minor league phase from the Washington Nationals and he played for the team over the 2023 and 2024 season.<\/p>\n

Palacios slashed .236\/.291\/.398 for an OPS of .689 in 114 games, with 74 hits, 11 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs and 49 RBI during his time in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Sep 21, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pinch-hitter Joshua Palacios (54) gestures after hitting a three-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

He played 93 of those games in 2023, where he slashed .239\/.279\/.413 for an OPS of .692, with 59 hits, nine doubles, two triples, 10 home runs and 40 RBI.<\/p>\n

Palacios made Pirates history when he hit a two-run walk-off home run in the 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on July 30, 2023, becoming the first to hit a walk-off home run on his birthday.<\/p>\n

He only played in 23 games with the Pirates in 2024, slashing .224\/.333\/.343 for an OPS of .677, before the Pirates designated him for assignment on March 23, 2025.<\/p>\n

The Pirates outrighted Palacios to Triple-A, but he rejected that and elected free agency<\/a>, signing with the Chicago White Sox<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Palacios played 51 games<\/a> for the White Sox in 2025, slashing .203\/.292\/.305 for an OPS of .596 and will now look to get back to the major leagues and produce in 2026, if he can do so prior in Triple-A.<\/p>\n

Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates!<\/a><\/p>\n

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