'Why is Rowdy Tellez your first baseman in the first place?" - MLB insider rants at Pirates ownership after team releases misfiring slugger

MLB insider Jeff Passan delivered a scathing criticism of Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bill Nutting after the team released first baseman Rowdy Tellez on Tuesday. Passan believes that Nutting doesn't harbor any serious intentions of challenging for titles, judging by the meager payroll of the team and the money-pinching tactics he employs in operating the franchise.

Rowdy Tellez was signed by the Pirates on a one-year, $3.2 million deal for the 2024 season. As per the incentive agreements on his contract, Tellez would have earned a $200,000 bonus if he had made four more appearances at the plate for the Pirates this season. Jeff Passan feels this is a part of the fabric of baseball, but it's more important to focus on how the Pirates ownership runs the organization.

On Wednesday, Jeff Passan, on the Pat McAfee Show, offered his thoughts on the Pirates in response to a question from the host.

"I think the important point here is not to focus on how the Pirates screwed Rowdy Tellez out of $200,000," Passan said.

"It's to look at the Pirates and look at Bob Nutting and to ask, 'Why is Rowdy Tellez your first baseman in the first place?" he continued. "Why aren't you going out and getting better players? Why don't you sign Christian Walker or Pete Alonso, or someone this winter to go and be a part of the core of that lineup long-term?

"Why are you always playing for short term with little money? Why do you have an $86 million payroll to open the season when the rest of the sport, at the top, has $300-plus million? How do you continue to exist as a Major League Baseball owner, who theoretically wants to win a championship, and do so pinching pennies?"

The Pirates have a payroll of just over $85 million this season, which is the second lowest among the 30 MLB teams. They're in last place in the National League Central, with a 73-84 record.

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Disappointing end to season for Rowdy Tellez

Rowdy Tellez was DFA'd by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Tellez got off to a horrible start to the season on joining the Pittsburgh Pirates after batting under .200 during April and May. Nevertheless, he had a remarkable resurgence over the next three months, averaging over .300, while producing 25 extra base hits, including 10 home runs and 42 RBIs.

Unfortunately, Tellez suffered a massive slump again this month, which ultimately led the Pirates to DFA him right before he could earn his bonus for having 425 plate appearances.

He finished the season with a .243/.299/.392 slashline, along with 13 home runs, 56 RBIs, and a below-average 91 OPS+.