PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – A look at Pirates players from last year and the potential for them to be a part of a hopeful Bucco resurgence in two or three years.
When Jordy Mercer was not resigned after seven solid years, Kevin Newman put a foot down with a great 2019. Question marks arose after a down 2020.
Is Kevin Newman a future Pirate?
CONTRACT-Newman is arbitration eligible again after this season and can't be a free agent until 2025.
HISTORY-The 27-year-old was the Pirates first round pick in 2015 after an All-American season at the University of Arizona. Newman was spectacular in his first full year in pro ball, hitting .320 with a .389 OBP. His last full year in Triple A, Newman hit .302 with 30 doubles before getting 31 games with the Pirates.
OUTPUT-Newman hit. 209 in 91 at bats in limited time in 2018. The 2019 numbers surpassed any wild expectations, hitting .308 (8th in the National League) and was 6th in the league in triples with 6. While he was 4th in the NL in singles, Newman hit a pro career high 12 homers and drove in 64 runs. The average dipped to .224 in 44 games in 2020 with just one home run and a slugging percentage lower than his OBP.
OUTLOOK-Success at the AAA level translated over in 2019, but like many on this team, it dipped in 2020. Newman has the flexibility to move to second and could become a starter there if, and when, Adam Frazier is traded
YES-whether it's at shortstop or second base, Newman has years before being a free agent and also dabbed a little in left field. Position flexibility and mostly solid offensive numbers throughout his career keep him with the organization. Then it's if Newman can beat out the waves of shortstop prospects, starting with Oneil Cruz.
