The Pirates will choose the contract of outfielder Billy McKinney previous to their recreation Monday with the Rangers, in keeping with Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Publish-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 can be his first stint on Pittsburgh’s massive 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 throughout the 2021 season. Most not too long ago, 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 stability to a Pirates roster that largely tilts to the fitting facet, and no matter enjoying time he receives will most likely come when the Bucs wish 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 middle area and even at first base, including to his defensive portfolio in an effort to make himself extra priceless to groups.
Pittsburgh’s roster is in a little bit of flux after Andrew McCutchen was misplaced to the 10-day injured listing yesterday. Whereas McKinney definitely gained’t replicate McCutchen’s manufacturing or presence within the clubhouse, his addition brings a bit extra expertise to an total younger Bucs staff.
