The recent release of infielder Alika Williams by the Pittsburgh Pirates speaks volumes about the team's current situation and needs. While much attention has been focused on the influx of new international free agents, this decision highlights a deeper issue within the organization.
Williams, who was once a first-round draft choice by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020, found himself traded to the Pirates in June 2023 in exchange for relief pitcher Robert Stephenson. This particular trade saw Stephenson transform into one of the top relievers in baseball, ultimately securing a lucrative three-year, $33 million deal with the Angels, despite struggling with injuries since then.
What’s particularly striking about Williams is that he was recognized more for his defensive skills than his batting prowess. Unfortunately, his offensive performance has been notably poor. Among the 564 players who have had at least 200 plate appearances in Major League Baseball since the start of the 2023 season, Williams' wRC+ of 45 places him at a dismal 559th, making him one of only four hitters in this cohort who have yet to hit a home run at the major league level.
Given these stats, it comes as no surprise that the Pirates decided to let him go. Prior to the previous spring training, he was removed from the Pirates' 40-man roster and spent the entirety of the 2025 season playing for Triple-A Indianapolis. His performance there included a batting line of .268/.329/.393 over 103 games, which, while an improvement, still raises questions about his viability at the major league level. In stark contrast, during his time with the Pirates in 2023-24, he managed a meager .202/.257/.271 batting average across 83 games.
The implications of releasing a player like Williams are significant, especially considering the dire state of the Pirates' infield depth. Ideally, the team would look to secure a solid third baseman while allowing Konnor Griffin to take over the shortstop position. However, as the roster stands now, Pittsburgh seems poised to begin the 2026 season with Jared Triolo at third base, Nick Gonzales at shortstop, and Nick Yorke serving as a utility player off the bench.
Triolo's offensive inconsistency makes him better suited for a utility role rather than a starting position, while Gonzales has shown troubling defensive capabilities at shortstop, a position that demands precision and agility. Similarly, Yorke remains unproven as a hitter, leaving the Pirates in a precarious position heading into the new season. It's crucial for the team to bolster their minor league system to ensure they have competent replacements ready for when injuries inevitably occur.
Currently, the options for backup positions at second, third, or shortstop are rather bleak. The only players with MLB experience include Enmanuel Valdez, Ronny Simon, and Davis Wendzel. While Valdez showed glimpses of promise at the plate in 2025, he is likely limited to second base. Simon, with a disappointing .572 OPS in the majors, re-signed with the Pirates after going unclaimed on waivers. Meanwhile, Wendzel has struggled significantly, recording only six hits in 47 major league at-bats and spending all of 2025 in the minors.
Moreover, the pool of players at the higher levels of the minor leagues is also minimal. Mike Jarvis is the only other player to have reached Triple-A, but he posted a lowly .532 OPS last year at Double-A Altoona and will soon be entering his age-28 season. The upcoming spring training will feature non-roster invitees like Duce Gourson and former number four overall pick Termarr Johnson, along with Jack Brannigan, who was added to the 40-man roster to prevent being selected in the Rule 5 Draft. However, none of these players have advanced beyond Double-A, creating a pressing need for talent.
While the loss of Williams may not seem significant on its own—many fans might have even forgotten he was part of the organization—it underscores a larger concern. As the Pirates work to fill gaps in their major league roster, they must also urgently address their lack of depth. It is unfortunate that a former first-round pick could not contribute meaningfully to the team’s future.
