Marco Luciano, a former top prospect for the San Francisco Giants, has been claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates. This announcement marks the end of his tenure with the Giants.
Details of Luciano’s Waiver Claim
San Francisco’s 40-man roster now stands at 39 players. The decision to waive Luciano was not unexpected. The 24-year-old infielder turned outfielder was out of minor-league options and lacked a clear role for the upcoming season.
- Claimed by: Pittsburgh Pirates
- Previous Team: San Francisco Giants
- Roster Status: Now 39 on 40-man roster
Performance Overview
Luciano struggled in his transition to the outfield after being converted from an infielder last offseason. Although he made his Major League debut in 2023, he ended up playing a limited role.
- 2023 MLB Statistics:
- Batting Average: .231 over 14 games
- 2024 Triple-A Performance:
- Batting: .214/.335/.413.
- Home Runs: 23
- wRC+: 96 (4% below league average)
During the 2024 MLB season, Luciano only participated in 27 games with the Giants. His offensive struggles continued, resulting in a batting average of .211 and an OPS of .562 over 81 plate appearances.
Future Prospects
Originally signed in July 2018 as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic for $2.6 million, Luciano was once regarded as one of the Giants’ top prospects. Entering spring training in 2024, he was anticipated to be the Opening Day shortstop, a role later assumed by Nick Ahmed.
With his move to the Pirates, Luciano looks to revitalize his career in Pittsburgh. His journey will be watched closely as he seeks to fulfill his potential in a new environment.
