The Pittsburgh Pirates have reunited with a familiar face, signing outfielder Joshua Palacios to a minor league contract as the organization continues to strengthen its depth during the second half of the season. The 30-year-old will immediately report to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Palacios previously spent parts of the 2023 and 2024 seasons with Pittsburgh, appearing in more than 100 major league games while providing versatility across the outfield. His return gives the Pirates another experienced player who is already familiar with the club’s system and expectations.
Although the move does not immediately affect Pittsburgh’s major league roster, it provides the organization with an experienced option should injuries or roster changes create opportunities later in the season. The Pirates have relied on organizational depth throughout the year, making experienced minor league additions an important part of their roster management.
For Palacios, the agreement represents another opportunity to work his way back to the major leagues. While his production at the highest level has been inconsistent, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to contribute offensively at Triple-A and remains capable of filling multiple defensive roles.
1. Return to a Familiar Organization
Palacios became a recognizable contributor during his previous stint with the Pirates. Across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he appeared in 114 major league games for Pittsburgh while providing valuable depth in both corner outfield positions and occasional appearances in center field.
His most active season came in 2023, when he played a career-high 91 games in the majors. During his time with the Pirates, he produced a .236 batting average with a .291 on-base percentage and a .398 slugging percentage while recording 11 doubles, two triples, 12 home runs, 49 RBIs and six stolen bases.
The left-handed hitter originally joined Pittsburgh before the 2023 season after the organization selected him as a minor league Rule 5 pick from the Washington Nationals. Before reaching professional baseball, Palacios was chosen by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Auburn University.
Now approaching his 31st birthday later this month, Palacios returns to a franchise where he experienced some of the most consistent playing time of his major league career. His familiarity with the coaching staff and organizational philosophy could help ease his transition back into the system.
2. Career Production and Experience
Palacios has appeared in parts of five major league seasons, spending time with the Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox. Across 207 big league games, he owns a career batting line of .223/.287/.349.
His overall major league statistics include 17 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs, 64 RBIs and seven stolen bases over 578 plate appearances. While those numbers reflect flashes of offensive ability, he has struggled at times to consistently produce against major league pitching.
A significant portion of his playing time came with the White Sox during the first half of the 2025 season before he spent the remainder of the year at the Triple-A level. That experience added to an already well-traveled professional career that has included several organizations.
Despite his major league challenges, Palacios has enjoyed considerably greater success in Triple-A. Across nearly 800 career plate appearances at that level, he has compiled an impressive .293 batting average along with a .382 on-base percentage and a .475 slugging percentage, demonstrating the offensive consistency that continues to make him an attractive depth option.
3. Valuable Depth for Pittsburgh
The Pirates’ decision to bring back Palacios also addresses recent organizational changes within the outfield. The club recently released Dominic Fletcher while promoting Jack Brannigan, and Konnor Griffin’s move to the injured list created another need for experienced depth at Triple-A.
Palacios offers versatility that could prove valuable if Pittsburgh requires additional reinforcements later in the season. Although he is capable of handling center field when needed, he has primarily established himself as a dependable corner outfielder throughout his professional career.
His offensive profile has also been stronger in the minors than in the majors. Along with posting impressive batting numbers at Triple-A, Palacios has maintained solid plate discipline by drawing walks while limiting strikeouts more effectively than he has against major league competition.
While there is no guarantee he will return to Pittsburgh’s major league roster, the signing provides the organization with a proven veteran who understands the club’s environment and can be called upon if an opportunity arises. For both the Pirates and Palacios, the reunion offers another chance to build on a partnership that previously produced valuable contributions.