Pittsburgh Pirates Free Agent Target: Outfielder Cameron Maybin

With the Pittsburgh Pirates in the market for some outfield help this offseason, this veteran outfielder could help fill that need

Earlier this month, we took a look at a potential outfield free agent target for the Pittsburgh Pirates. This outfielder was veteran Kevin Pillar. Another veteran free agent outfielder who could be a fit with the Bucs is Cameron Maybin.

Like Pillar, Maybin is a player who also made sense as a free agent target for the Pittsburgh Pirates last offseason. However, they signed Jarrod Dyson instead. Dyson would eventually be traded to the Chicago Whtie Sox for international free agent money.

The 33-year-old, right-handed hitting Maybin spent the 2020 season with the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs. Between the two teams Maybin accumulated 101 plate appearances in 32 games played. Maybin hit for a .247/.307/.387 slash line to go with a 88 wRC+ in his 101 PAs.

In his MLB career, the former top-10 overall prospect has hit for a .256/.324/.376 slash line. This includes a 94 wRC+, 8.7% walk rate, 21.6% strikeout rate, 72 home runs, and a 7.3% extra base hit rate in 3796 career at-bats.

During the 2020 season, Maybin owned a 87.8 MPH exit velocity anda 35.3% hard hit rate. His average exit velocity was just below league average (88.3 MPH), while his hard hit rate was just above league average (34.9%).

During his MLB career Maybin has played all three outfield positions. This is something that could benefit the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021. Right now, center field remains unsettled for the Pirates in 2021.

As of now, it appears Anthony Alford and Jared Oliva will battle for the starting job. That said, the Pittsburgh Pirates will likely look to add an outfielder no matter what. Even if they are comfortable with one of those two starting in center field they will likely want to add a fourth outfielder. Especially if Alford wins the starting job, as this would likely lead to Oliva starting the 2021 season at the Triple-A level.

Even as the team’s fourth outfielder, Maybin could provide a big boost. Right field will likely belong to Gregory Polanco to start the 2021 season. However, throughout his MLB career Polanco has always struggled against left-handed pitching. Assuming the Pirates would be interested in a platoon partner for Polanco, Maybin could fit this bill.

No matter how the Pirates look to tackle the outfield in 2021, Maybin could easily factor into the equation. With the veteran on the free agent market looking for a job this offseason, the Pirates could be a team to watch with him.