The Pirates will choose the contract of outfielder Billy McKinney previous to their sport Monday with the Rangers, in line with Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Submit-Gazette (X hyperlink). The Bucs might want to make one other transaction to create area for McKinney on the 40-man roster.
McKinney was acquired from the Yankees final December, and this shall be his first stint on Pittsburgh’s large league roster this season. His first official in-game look will make it seven straight seasons of MLB motion for McKinney, starting from his two video games with the Blue Jays in 2020 to his career-high 116 video games and 300 plate appearances cut up between the Brewers, Mets, and Dodgers through the 2021 season. Most lately, McKinney suited up in 48 video games with the Yankees in 2023, hitting .227/.320/.406 over 147 PA.
The left-handed hitting McKinney will add some steadiness to a Pirates roster that largely tilts to the fitting facet, and no matter taking part in time he receives will most likely come when the Bucs need to give Michael A. Taylor or Bryan De La Cruz a break towards sure right-handed pitchers. McKinney has spent most of his profession as a nook outfielder however he additionally gotten a while in heart area and even at first base, including to his defensive portfolio in an effort to make himself extra invaluable to groups.
Pittsburgh’s roster is in a little bit of flux after Andrew McCutchen was misplaced to the 10-day injured record yesterday. Whereas McKinney definitely gained’t replicate McCutchen’s manufacturing or presence within the clubhouse, his addition brings a bit extra expertise to an general younger Bucs group.