Rowdy Tellez is out of a job — and missing out on a large payday in addition.
The Pirates designated the primary baseman for project on Tuesday with just days left within the 2024 MLB season.
Tellez had signed a one-year, $3.2 million contract with Pittsburgh in December that included various incentives, including a $200,000 bonus if he reached 425 plate appearances this season, in accordance with Spotrac.
With 421 plate appearances on the 12 months, Tellez was just 4 turns within the box wanting the bonus, adding insult to injury.
Tellez, 29, struggled mightily through the primary two months of the season, hitting .177 with one home run through May.
He picked it up a bit over the summer, but overall, Tellez hit .243/.299/.392 with 13 home runs while providing little on defense and the basepaths.
Tellez spent the primary three-plus years of his MLB profession with the Blue Jays before being dealt to the Brewers on the 2021 trade deadline.
He played in Milwaukee until the tip of last 12 months before being non-tendered by the team within the offseason.
The Pirates also designated Michael A. Taylor, who hit .193 in 113 games this season, for project on Tuesday as well.
The veteran outfielder had lost playing time after Oneil Cruz moved from shortstop to center field in late August.
With six games to go, Pittsburgh is 73-83, 13.5 games out of an NL wild-card spot, and can miss the playoffs for the ninth straight season.
