Full Breakdown
Pittsburgh Pirates Designate Marco Luciano and Tsung-Che Cheng for Assignment
12/20/2025, 5:44:42 AM
Core Event: Roster Changes Following Trade
The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated outfielder Marco Luciano and infielder Tsung-Che Cheng for assignment as part of a roster adjustment following a three-team trade that brought in Brandon Lowe, Mason Montgomery, and Jake Mangum. This decision comes just two weeks after Luciano was claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.
Background & Context: Luciano's Career Trajectory
Marco Luciano, 24, was once regarded as one of baseball's top prospects, ranking among the top 15 minor league talents according to Baseball America. Initially a shortstop known for his significant raw power, Luciano's career has faced challenges, particularly with his performance against higher-level pitching. In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he struggled at the major league level, posting a .217 batting average with a .590 OPS and striking out 45 times in 126 plate appearances. His defensive struggles led to a transition to left field, and he spent the entirety of the 2025 season in Triple-A, where he hit 23 home runs but also had a strikeout rate nearing 31%.
Tsung-Che Cheng, also 24, was considered a promising player, ranking among Pittsburgh's top 10 prospects as recently as 2024. He made his major league debut in April but had limited success, going 0-for-7 with three strikeouts. Cheng spent the remainder of the season at Triple-A Indianapolis, where he recorded a .207 batting average in 406 plate appearances.
Why It Matters: Implications for the Pirates
The designations of Luciano and Cheng highlight the Pirates' ongoing efforts to reshape their roster. With the recent acquisitions, the team is looking to bolster its lineup and improve overall performance. Luciano, despite his struggles, may still attract interest from other clubs due to his former prospect status and potential upside. Cheng, who has one option year remaining, may also find opportunities elsewhere, though his recent performance has raised concerns about his hitting ability.
Official Statements & Responses
The Pirates have not issued a formal statement regarding the designations of Luciano and Cheng. However, the team's actions indicate a strategic move to optimize their roster following the trade.
Criticism & Opposition: Perspectives on the Designations
Critics may argue that designating Luciano, a player with significant potential, could be a misstep for the Pirates, especially given his previous status as a top prospect. Some analysts suggest that the team should have provided him with more time to develop at the major league level rather than quickly moving on after a short tenure.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the reports consistently indicate Luciano's struggles and the rationale behind his designation, there is limited information on the Pirates' long-term strategy for roster management and how these changes fit into their overall rebuilding efforts. Additionally, the potential market interest in Luciano and Cheng remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a no-risk flier on a former top prospect who has yet to show much at the big league level.” — Kevin Gorman, TribLive.com
- “While Luciano hits the ball hard when he makes contact, the swing-and-miss and limited defensive profile have dropped his stock.” — Yardbarker Analysis
- “The Taiwanese-born Cheng is a good athlete and a versatile defender, but he has been a below-average hitter since reaching the Double-A level in 2023.” — Yardbarker Analysis
