The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Thursday morning that they have declined the 2016 club option for pitcher Radhames Liz, making him a free agent. Liz pitched 14 games in relief for the Pirates this season, posting a 4.24 ERA in 23.1 innings, with 27 strikeouts and a 1.63 WHIP. He was removed from the 40-man roster twice during the season.
The Pirates signed Liz as a free agent in the off-season after he started off great in the Dominican, pitching winter ball. His manager down there was Dean Treanor, who also manages the Indianapolis Indians for the Pirates. Liz has recently reported to his winter league team, although Treanor isn’t managing this season.
Liz showed potential by dominating in the Dominican last winter, while also posting a 1.40 ERA in 64.1 innings with Indianapolis this season, but he didn’t adjust well to the change in roles. He was a starting pitcher in AAA and winter ball, then only pitched out of the bullpen for the Pirates. Liz was sought after in Korea and Japan last year during the off-season, so he could end up pitching overseas next season.
UPDATE 8:50 AM 11/6: We just learned that the option was for $2.25M. Liz instead received a $250,000 buyout.