Pittsburgh Pirates Free Agent Target: Outfielder David Dahl

Former National League All-Star outfielder David Dahl was recently non-tendered by the Colorado Rockies and could be a free agent target for the Pittsburgh Pirates

As the 2020 MLB Winter Meetings carry on, the Pittsburgh Pirates will continue to search for outfield help. Due to question marks and under performance by players in 2020, the Pirates are undoubtedly in need of outfield help.

If the Pittsburgh Pirates turn to free agency to address their outfield need, an outfielder who was recently non-tendered could be a potential target. This player is former Colorado Rockie, and National League All-Star, David Dahl.

The Rockies selected Dahl with the 10th overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft. In 2019, he appeared to emerging as the star the Rockies hoped for when he was draft. Dahl hit for a .302/.353/.524 slash line to go with a 110 wRC+ in 2019. The problem is that these results came in just 100 games played.

Throughout his career injuries have always been a major issue for Dahl. In 2015 Dahl had to have his spleed replaced after running into the outfield wall. He missed time in 2017 due to a rib cage injury and two months in 2018 after breaking his foot. During the 2019 season, he did not play in a game after Augsut 2nd due to an ankle injury. His 2020 season consisted of just 24 games due to a shoulder injury that required surgery in early September.

If Dahl can get and stay healthy, he would be a major upgrade in the outfield for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Due to this, the Pirates should heavily pursue Dahl in free agency.

The 26-year-old Dahl has hit for a .286/.334/.494 slash line and a 101 wRC+ in 1020 career plate appearances. He owns a lifetime 6.5% walk rate, 26.0% strikeout rate, a healthy .208 isolate power, and a lifetime 11.2% extra base hit rate.

Being a left-handed hitter, Dahl would likely have no problems producing at PNC Park. This could also be a factor for the Pirates. Another boost to the Pirates with Dahl is his ability to play center field.

Dahl has logged 548 career innings in center field. While his most innings (1040) have come in left field, he’s also logged an additional 410.1 innings in right field. The Pirates are in need of center field help in 2021, and could need help in right field as well if Gregory Polanco is traded. Dahl can play either of these positions for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

A one-year deal between Dahl and the Pirates to allow Dahl to rebuild his value is one that could make sense. This could also allow the Pirates to trade Dahl a the July trade deadline in an effort to bring more young talent into the organization.

Multi-year deals between Dahl and the Pirates could make sense as well. Dahl, if healthy, could answer an outfield question for the Pirates for the next few seasons. Even if he is pushed out by top prospects such as Travis Swaggerty and Oneil Cruz, Dahl could then be good trade bait for the Bucs.