Ethan Hullihen
@EthanHullihen
Followers
5K
Following
764
Media
5K
Statuses
33K
Here to calculate, interpret, & analyze Pirates’ payroll & transactions, which could always be wrong. Family, TV, movies as well.
Joined October 2016
While everyone watches the postseason, I'm busy trying to get you ready for the Pirates' offseason. No one is gonna do it better either. I'm going to pin this so it's always readily available. Please use it, and ask questions!!!.
2
4
39
Okay, gonna break my silence now. This is why proper accreditation is important. One of the biggest ESPN personalities, one of the biggest baseball reporters, and that is my graphic on the screen. Stolen. I mostly didn't care to this point, but this is disappointing.
"The Rowdy Tellez situation happens when ownership doesn't treat things seriously. Why do the Pittsburgh Pirates have an $86M payroll to start the season" ~ @JeffPassan . #PMSLive
170
494
14K
You know you've made it when big accounts are stealing your work with no attribution!.
Rowdy Tellez was due a 200k bonus at 425 plate appearances this year. The Pirates just DFA’d him. He was at 421 plate appearances. Did him dirty.
34
49
3K
@PatMcAfeeShow Sincerely thanks for reaching out. Can I DM? Would rather do that that air it out here.
14
1
2K
I have every name of the Pirates entire organization in one file, am in it all the time. I don't know who this person is.
We have acquired INF/OF Enmanuel Valdez from the Red Sox in exchange for RHP Joe Vogatsky. There are now 37 players on our 40-man roster.
12
30
2K
I mean, yes, it's also totally surreal and pretty cool, but not in the same way it should be.
7
0
1K
In case any interested parties don't scroll all the way down in Bob's weekly piece:
Sunday Notebook: Playing like MVP candidate, Mets' Pete Alonso locked in at the 'right place at the right time'
31
126
1K
Works for me, let's move on!.
Yesterday I posted this chart from @EthanHullihen. I wasn’t sure if it was a screenshot off of a website or something he put together. After hearing from many+checking out his page, he did put it together and does awesome work. Apologies Ethan for not crediting at the time!.
13
7
998
I am genuinely impressed with how this all played out. if not slightly mortified!. It was never the (admittedly simple!) spreadsheet--it was the information, which I exclusively reported in December that no one else ever did. I just happened to display it in a simple sheet. 1/2.
15
16
634
What everyone seems to be missing about this entire situation. The Pirates offer an incentive for an award that doesn't even exist!.
10
17
608
In a cruel twist of fate, IKF is. 4 PAs away from $250k performance bonus.
Kiner-Falefa is 65 PA away from a $250k bonus for 500 PA, which would be split among Pirates and Blue Jays.
19
41
509
I know it's largely out of the news cycle, but there were a few aspects about the recent Pirates' financial report that were nagging at me that I felt the urge to address. Obviously took more than a thread. Read, don't, whatever floats your boat.
35
70
382
I am incredibly ready to move on, so this is hopefully the final time addressing it. Truly, thanks again @PatMcAfeeShow . 2/2.
1
4
354
As an example of the work I do, here is an estimate for every team's LRD and CBT payroll--plus luxury tax payment--for 2024. I've done this for the Pirates for many years, but just decided to try the league this season. Question? Ask!
23
12
330
Here are Tellez's incentives for 2024:
11
16
253
I really don't want to get into some kind of online war, that is just not me. But I literally said this to my wife and brother like 15 mins ago. It's awesome how the community has shared kind words and their appreciation. Makes me feel good to seemingly be valued in that way.
@EthanHullihen @ETreuden Wow this sucks I’m so sorry Ethan. But a silver lining is it seems like folks have done an awesome job in rallying around to make sure everyone BUT @BenVerlander acknowledges where this came from.
2
1
188
I'm hearing Oneil Cruz will indeed be called up sometime between now and the end of the season.
6
4
172
After the Hembree and Vogelbach signings, payroll goes up $2,529,100. $40,136,900. They broke $40M!.
9
15
156
@jonbecker_ First of all, thank you. Secondly. (It wasn't public, I was literally the only one to report it before yesterday. AP, reporters, nobody).
2
5
152
Except two days of ML pay ($740k vs $120.6k).
The Pirates are optioning Jared Jones to open a roster spot for Mike Burrows. This move will have no impact on Jones’ service time (no financial impact for him).
11
10
135
Horwitz has .152 days of service--6 years of contractual control, 4 of which would be arbitration--with an option remaining. Payroll goes down. $7,500.
We have acquired 1B Spencer Horwitz from the Guardians in exchange for RHP Luis Ortiz, LHP Michael Kennedy and LHP Josh Hartle.
5
4
123
Pirates fans rejoice. Eddy Yean signed a Successor Contract, meaning he won't be hitting minor league free agency tomorrow at 5 pm. Yean was probably the most notable prospect on the list at this point.
5
4
116
Last season I had the team at ~$87.4M, and currently am projecting them at ~$72.7M. Sure, Keller is over 20% of that, but how much more room and flexibility do you need?.
Multiple sources have informed the Post-Gazette that Luis Ortiz was not the only starting pitcher the Pirates have made available for a trade this offseason. That and more in our five developments from the winter meetings: .
18
9
114
For context, I've been wanting to put this out. I know whataboutism is bad form, but the Tellez situation is not new. Here are 3 I tweeted about in last few weeks, plus John Brebbia, who the White Sox released 1 game away from $250k (after earning $500k)
10
10
107
Imagine if Cruz and Contreras had been up all season. .
15
0
95
Payroll goes down $305,882 (assuming Williams doesn't stick around the org). $79,010,713.
INF Alika Williams has been designated for assignment to make room for Mayza on the 40-man roster. Our 40-man roster remains full.
6
4
94
Glad to see they're wasting those valuable innings in the name of service manipulation.
10
3
86
Oh yeah. For what it's worth, Skenes can no longer gain a full year of service.
4
6
87
No pictures, but. we have a baby!. Ellsie Leigh Hullihen was born at 1:53. Mom and baby are both happy and healthy.
15
0
79
Mitch Keller's contract breakdown:. $2,057,500 signing bonus . 2024: $5,442,500.2025: $15M.2026: $16.5M.2027: $18M.2028: $20M. $15.4M AAV.
5
19
83
At 19 days, Suwinski needed 1 more day to use an option and not have his assignment from earlier count as ML service. He now won't be able to accrue a full year of service.
He’s not getting traded. I really didn’t mean to insinuate that by triggering hug watch. I’m told he’ll be optioned tomorrow.
15
15
84
39 months after the Colin Moran trade, none of the players the Astros got in the deal are on their active roster:. Gerrit Cole - lost as a free agent.
5
10
82
Skenes officially has his service round up to a full year (1.000), bumping his projected free agency date up a year. He still projects to hit arbitration at the same time though (2027).
8
11
83
The fact that this gets so much run is just upsetting to me. I know I posted similar content, but I did it the way I did as a way to show/explain what may be happening in the process. This is pure engagement, thus many more eyes with bad info. Twitter in a nutshell
17
6
79
IT'S THE OFFSEASON!!!. Here is the upcoming calendar and dates you need to know:. This morning: Velasquez and McCutchen FAs. 4th: Decision on Garcia's option. 5th: Last day to request waivers on Draft Excluded players. 6th: DRL to 175, start of FA, reinstate from 60-day IL. 1/.
4
9
78
Everyone: CUTCH IS BACK!!!!. Me: What's the corresponding move?.
9
1
76
Everyone: Bad joke. Me: "Should this joke have been made 7 days ago so 2024 could have cleared waivers today?".
I’m hearing hearing 2024 may get DFA’d later today.
2
2
78
FWIW, expect to see this settled within the next week.
We have traded RHP JT Brubaker and international bonus pool money to the Yankees in exchange for a player to be named later.
8
5
72
Remember. Payroll last season was (roughly) $87,358,855. Currently I'm projecting Opening Day at $77,442,614. There's obviously time, but I'm having trouble seeing how it's going to go up significantly at this point. I'm sure anxious for more moves though!.
7
5
75
According to the transaction log, Heath Hembree has been released.
2
5
69
MY SOURCES SAY REYNOLDS WAS TRADED YESTRDAY BUT THEIR JUST WAITING UNTIL NEXT FRIDAY TO ANNOUNCE IT!!!!. OR MAYBE MONDAY!!!!. POSSIBLE WEDNESDAY!!?!?.
24
5
71
I'm sure they worked hard to pound this deal out and finish it off.
7
2
73
Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for:. Sign Quintana/DFA Brault: Payroll decrease $200,000.Trade Stallings/add Thompson: Decrease $1,917,300.Sign Tsutsugo/DFA Moran: No change. Of course, there's no catcher and six starters, but I have. $33,528,300.
12
7
66
The Dodgers give the Pirates plenty of money . They could just, you know, actually spend it.
Good for Shohei Ohtani. Incredible player. Amazing to watch, all that. But the financial disparity or unevenness of the playing field in baseball … gross. Cap/floor, please. And I know it’ll never happen.
9
2
65
Tickets for tonight's Curve game have been secured. Henry Davis debut, here we come.
6
0
63
I feel like there is confusion surrounding announcements like this, so here we go. The Braves announce them like this, but non-guaranteed contracts--as in zero strings attached--don't really exist in MLB. Deals are non-guaranteed in that ML salary isn't guaranteed--but. 1/
The #Braves today signed OF Bryan De La Cruz to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract for the 2025 season.
1
2
66
Guys, Skenes isn't gonna pitch in the majors this year. You think they're burning a 40-man spot all offseason for essentially no reason?. Altoona maybe, but Pittsburgh? I just can't see it.
7
3
62
Lookey here 👀
Ben Cherington talks Marco Gonzales trade and what’s next for Pirates after Winter Meetings
4
2
59
I'm considering a hunger strike until the Pirates make a move. Any negative impact to my health is on you Ben!.
9
3
55
It's early, I know, but. Yamamoto injured, Jones with a brief rough patch . Does Skenes go into next year with 1.000 year of service??.
5
0
58
Hayes earns a $25k bonus and payroll goes up concurrently.
The best defensive third baseman in the game plays in Pittsburgh. Ke’Bryan Hayes is the winner of the @RawlingsSports Gold Glove Award for National League third basemen.
1
1
56
So, where is all this extra money going?. Currently, the team has $1,367,200 in overslot available, plus $809,285 in overage.
18
8
52
Opening 40-man spots 👀.
We have made the following roster moves: . • Recalled INF/OF Ji Hwan Bae from Triple-A Indianapolis.• Activated RHP Hunter Stratton from the 15-day Injured List.• Designated LHP Josh Fleming for assignment.
5
0
53
BREAKING:. Pirates acquire Dylan Cease.
4
0
50
Also, this conversation is old and tired, so this is it:. The Pirates actively haven't tried for at least 4 seasons now . To blame that on the Dodgers, baseball, or anyone else is patently absurd.
6
2
49
Marlins don't like Carter Bins?.
3
0
52
@CordycepsKiller FWIW, so did I .
I know it's largely out of the news cycle, but there were a few aspects about the recent Pirates' financial report that were nagging at me that I felt the urge to address. Obviously took more than a thread. Read, don't, whatever floats your boat.
1
0
53
Looks like Tellez and Taylor quickly passed through release waivers
5
2
48
McCutchen, 7 WAR player.
The Pirates record with Andrew McCutchen in the starting lineup: 8-7 . The Pirates record without Andrew McCutchen in the starting lineup: 1-8.
1
1
52
With the roster finalized, we have an official payroll total for OD:. The Pirates broke $90M for the first time since 2017, the highest since then. Remember, this is just a starting point. Where it starts isn't the same as where it ends, as it changes with every transaction.
7
12
52
Well, now we know the Contingent Payment was absolutely part of the $2.8M announced for Solometo. Bucs spend literally every penny.
3
4
48
The results are in, and the Pirates have spent every cent of their available bonus pool!. Utilizing that Contingent Payment, and best I can tell (so far) they are the only team to have used their entire pool. This is the first it's happened since 2021.
3
8
45
Pirates have a little under $1M left and less than a week to spend it!.
Unfortunately Sasaki would make very little money. Due to IFA rules. he would be subject to the same rules all the 16 yr olds from DR and Venezuela. This late into the cycle, very few teams have ANY bonus money left to spend.
7
4
46
So, after all the reported bonuses thus far, I have the Pirates saving $2,829,800 under slot, with an additional $719,700 in 5% overages, if they so choose, for a total of $3,549,500 to pay over slot. With 4 slots remaining worth $4,491,700, that's $8,041,200 left to spend.
5
4
46
2
0
48
This is why, in my opinion, if anyone is citing Pittsburgh Pirates' payroll figures, they should be citing mine, not anyone else:
6
4
43
An Edward Cabrera acquisition, on the other hand, is forthcoming.
Earlier today some rumors surfaced about the Pirates being connected to Anthony Rizzo. I’ve been told those reports were not accurate.
0
1
47
I never would have anticipated needing a logo, especially in December . Do we need to hold a contest to decide?.
@EthanHullihen It's why we watermark our graphics, because when they get stolen (and they always do, particularly on Facebook), at least it still has our logo on it.
7
0
46
Officially, the Pirates had a $87,300,901 payroll last season. I calculated $87,324,017, or just $23,116 over, probably just a handful of days off on pre-arb players. I think I'll take that!
4
1
48
Payroll added/(subtracted) by Pirates at/around deadline:. 2012: $5,947,062.2013: $3,504,153.2014: $1,137,363 (0 trades).2015: $10,563,680.2016: ($7,027,602).2017: $2,418,269. No value judgements, just numbers. When someone says "they never add salary at deadline", it's not true.
0
17
42
Perfect question for me to try and distract myself!. The Pirates and new Team X would actually share the cost, with the Pirates picking up 421/X of the bill, X being the total number of PA at the end of the season. In theory at least, just isn't happening
@BenVerlander @EthanHullihen If he gets picked up and gets those 4 PAs, who will have to pay- the team where he gets the 425th. or the Pirates, who signed the contract?.
3
3
46
Apparently, Rob Zastryzny was outrighted to Indy yesterday, and he elected free agency, according to the transaction log. That lowers payroll $96,774.
4
1
43
When Davis is selected tomorrow, he could max out at .105 days of service on the season, well under any Super 2 deadline of recent history. Also, a spot will be needed on the 40-man roster (likely Velasquez to the 60-day IL), but also on the active roster as well.
4
4
45
Reminder:. Jake Lamb has a release clause in his contract today. I *believe* the process is he has 24 hours to invoke, and Pirates have 48 to make a decision. So, may not necessarily see anything today (and he may not even utilize it), but it's something to keep in mind.
1
5
44
With all the analysis, I keep seeing/hearing wrong things, so I want to clear it up, or at least try:. -Gonzales salary is $12M, not $12.25 or $12.5M.-ATL is sending $9.25M. This is totally separate from the $4.5M from SEA to ATL.-PIT pays a $250k assignment bonus. $3M total hit.
4
8
43
That may be a good idea, but. The Pirates actually spent their entire pool. Morel received everything that was left ($1,778,600).
I'm only half kidding when I say the Pirates should look into what the Dodgers have to offer with much of the remaining pool they have.
2
3
44
Here it is:. For the time being, I'm going to share a version of my payroll spreadsheet for all to access. I'll pin this so it stays up top to look at the rest of the offseason. Let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy!.
8
7
40
Since I like to teach the fishing:. Guaranteed contracts: $60,872,000.Minimum salaries: $11,640,000.Pending salaries: $2,250,000.Minor League salaries: $2,143,014.Signing Bonuses: $661,500.Outrighted salaries: $123,900.Cash considerations: $100,000. Total: $77,790,414. 1/.
5
1
43
Jays are sending $2,216,989 to cover some of IKF's salary. I need to do some math to see the LRD/CBT split.
3
4
41
Assuming a clean, successful rehab, the latest Horwitz can come back is May 17th.
4
3
43
Seeing as he won't toot his own horn, it's worth noting @JohnDreker had the entire 19-man international group on Saturday, when all the information is officially coming out now. Thanks for the effort John.
1
0
40
I currently have Castro slotted in starting at second next season. Who's with me?.
1
0
37
Remember, like I said earlier, unless someone is hurt, it can't be Burrows, or any other reliever.
Joey Wentz is warming up in the Pirates bullpen. If he throws today, I have no clue who is starting tomorrow.
11
2
42
#neverboo. You'd be cool with someone coming to your place of work and degrading you for no other reason than not living up to a standard you unilaterally set for them?. You realize how awful that is?. Be a little more human please.
We asked Austin Hedges back in June about getting booed. He said he didn't want to talk about it then. Apparently yesterday he did:
56
1
36
If the Pirates sign 3 more players in free agency, there will be partying in the streets.
New FA picks:. Belli CHC.Snell LAA.Monty PHI.Chap SFG.Soler BOS.JDM TEX.Kersh LAD.TA OAK.Clev PIT.Lorenzen MIL.Whit CHW.Ryu SD.Belt MIA.Pham CLE.Duvall MIN.MAT PIT.Choi WSN.Gary PIT.Gio NYY.Amed MIA.ERosario SD.Votto LAA.Brasier NYY.Hendriks CHC.Junis PHI.
4
1
40
I obviously put a ton of work into this, so I'd appreciate if you checked it out. Hope I did the topic justice!.
This is an incredible breakdown by @EthanHullihen on the current issues around baseball involving the Regional Sports Networks for MLB teams, including AT&T Sportsnet in Pittsburgh. Ethan includes a breakdown of what this could mean for the #Pirates.
5
6
37
W'Bryan Hayes.
On the criticism: “There’s no play at third. It’s all the way in right field. I can see how someone would say something, but I don’t really care. I’m ready every pitch.” (2/3).
0
1
34
Skenes is guaranteed $1.5M of the pre-arb bonus pool, more than double his salary on the season
In addition to being a Rookie of the Year finalist, Paul Skenes is a finalist for the NL Cy Young Award.
3
6
37
I haven't seen anyone mention it, but transaction log says Lonnie White Jr. was assigned to Bradenton this weekend.
3
2
37
I feel sorry for Pirate fans whose only info about the team comes from "traditional" newspaper media. Shout out to outlets trying to provide the best info available:. @thepointofpgh .@BucsDugout .@piratebreakdown .@NorthShoreNine .@pirateprospects . Sorry to those I missed.
2
6
34