Polanco was placed on outright waivers Sunday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Polanco had a career-worst .153 batting average last season, and he struggled to get into a rhythm to begin the 2021 campaign. The 29-year-old hit just .199 with 11 homers, 36 runs, 34 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 102 games this season, and he'll now be available on waivers. Polanco will be eligible to opt for free agency rather than heading to Triple-A Indianapolis if he goes unclaimed on waivers, but he's expected to remain in the organization if another team doesn't claim him, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. The Pirates' decision to remove the veteran outfielder from the 40-man roster will allow Hoy Park and Wilmer Difo to see more playing time during the final few weeks of the regular season.