According to multiple sources, catcher Jason Delay, infielder Ji Hwan Bae and outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba have made the Pirates opening day roster.
Post-Gazette Pirates Insider Jason Mackey tells Joe Starkey that those three players survived the final cuts with Mackey adding one more arm will likely be named to the bullpen.
“We’re basically one move away from having a set opening day roster,” said Mackey.
Mackey says Smith-Njigba earned his spot on the roster with a great spring.
He hit .326 with three doubles, 11 RBIs and two home runs.
The one name that perplexed Starkey is why outfielder Travis Swaggerty is not starting the season in Pittsburgh.
Mackey said he thinks the Pirates thinking is that Swaggerty will get more playing time in the minors.
Mackey says Swaggerty had a great spring with a .379 average in 29 at-bats with 10 RBIs and three home runs, adding Swaggerty is the best defensive outfielder for the Pirates.
Starkey and producer Matt Koll appreciated Mackey’s explanation but didn’t like it.
“That sucks,” Koll could be heard saying while Mackey and Starkey were talking.
Another person making the team, outfielder Connor Joe has more versatility and can also play infield, something Swaggerty can’t do.
Mackey theorizes they may try to trade Joe, not knowing what he would bring back.
“I think they want to try to get something out of him, they don’t have to keep him at this point theoretically, you could let him produce for two months and then make a move and then bring up Swaggerty,” said Mackey.