Cutch will likely also DH and open the door for a prospect to man a corner outfield spot.īench (4): Heineman, infielder/outfielder Ji Hwan Bae, utilityman Connor Joe, and outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigbaīae brings speed and versatility to the club, being able to play most positions. Bringing McCutchen back rejuvenates the fan base and locker room near the end of his career. Reynolds and Suwinski have flip-flopped spots in the outfield between left and center field compared to last year and it remains to be seen where both will stick, if it doesn’t continue into April. Former All-Star Bryan Reynolds remains with the Pirates despite requesting a trade leading up to the Winter Meetings. Suwinski smacked 19 home runs in his rookie season despite an average teetering the Mendoza Line, potentially benefiting from the shift banned while needing increased contact. The Pirates outfield is the strongest of any position group. Outfield (3): Jack Suwinski, Bryan Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen Cruz committed 17 errors in 79 games last year and will be given plenty of opportunities to prove himself before a position switch is made.ġ07.1 mph laser from Ke'Bryan Hayes /SCFskfW1pf- Pittsburgh Pirates March 18, 2023 6-foot-7 Oneil Cruz begins his first full season with few questions about his ability to perform at the plate - looking to strikeout less often - while conversations surround his defensive abilities. The tallest and most unique shortstop in recent memory returns to the infield’s most popular position looking to mold his overall game to stick at short. Tucupita Marcano and Ji Hwan Bae bring versatility and a lack of experience to the field as well but not a defining characteristic compared to Castro’s power to have an inside track on grabbing the opportunity. Moving around the diamond at three different positions, Castro recorded two errors in six games so far at third base and has struck out 17 times at the plate. The 23-year-old switch hitter has 11 hits in 46 at-bats (.239 avg) with two homers and nine runs batted in. Choi said he was “deeply hurt” by the decision and while relations are not ideal, he should still crack the lineup against the Reds.ĭoes anyone want the starting job? Entering Spring Training, Rodolfo Castro’s name was penciled in as the likely starter at second but hasn’t done anything to separate himself from the competition. The two sides went to arbitration over his contract status and the Pirates did not allow Choi to play in the World Baseball Classic due to an elbow injury. Choi and the Pirates have gotten off on the wrong foot since he was acquired from Tampa Bay early in the offseason. 316 on-base percentage, walking 71 times in 131 games between the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners, slugging 19 home runs, and driving in 60. Both likely splitting time between first base and DH, Santana should benefit greatly from banning the shift. New additions to the Pirates clubhouse, veterans Carlos Santana and Ji-Man Choi bring left-handed power to the Bucs lineup. Heineman also profiles as a defensive-first catcher and has the edge over Jason Delay.įirst Base/Designated Hitter (2): Carlos Santana and Ji-Man Choi 189 career hitter, Hedges is keeping the seat warm for top prospects Endy Rodriquez and Henry Davis, who both may be ready for big league action this summer and can be assisted by Hedges’ veteran leadership. He spent the previous two and a half seasons in Cleveland after being traded from San Diego, where he was a Gold Glove finalist in 2019. Signed as a free agent for his experience and success working with various pitching staffs, 30-year-old Austin Hedges is one of the best defensive catchers in baseball. Who could be the 26 men making the trip to Ohio?Ĭatchers (2): Austin Hedges and Tyler Heineman Some spots are still up for grabs as manager Derek Shelton and the Bucs prepare to face the PNC Park crowd for the first time on April 7. Position battles are not as prevalent as in years past, with the Pirates beginning to find long-term solutions at multiple positions. Opening Day is less than one week away as the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to embark north from Bradenton, Florida, to Cincinnati on March 30 to begin the 2023 MLB season.
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