Non-Roster Invitees To Watch In Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kevin Newman
Jun 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Kevin Newman the Pirates first overall pick in the 2015 draft in attendance prior to the Pirates hosting the Chicago White Sox in an inter-league game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Shortstop Kevin Newman

The boat Kevin Newman is in is very similar to that of Austin Meadows. Newman is one of the Pirates’ top prospects, as well as being one of the top prospects in all of baseball, but he will start the 2017 season in the Minor Leagues.

Most likely, Kevin Newman will begin the season at Triple-A Indianapolis. If Newman can continue to hit the way he has throughout his Minor League career, he could hit his way to the Major Leagues this season. It would not surprise me if Kevin Newman was in the Major Leagues at some point this summer, especially if Jordy Mercer struggles.

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Not only will Newman’s offense be worth watching in Spring Training, but so will his defense. There have been some questions as to rather or not he will stick at shortstop long term. Due to this, I will be curious to see how he looks at shortstop this spring.

Kevin Newman’s stay in Major League camp may not be very long. Especially since the Pirates will not be losing anyone from their infield to the World Baseball Classic. However, Kevin Newman will be fun to watch and follow through the first few weeks of Spring Training.

No matter how Kevin Newman’s 2017 season shakes out I expect him to be a key member of the 2018 Pittsburgh Pirates. Due to this, Spring Training 2017 will be a glimpse into the future of the shortstop position for Pirate fans.