Pittsburgh Pirates: Free Agent Left-Handed Hitting Outfield Target

Left-handed hitting outfielder Brian Goodwin could be a fit with the Pittsburgh Pirates in free agency as the Bucs search for outfield help this offseason.

We have discussed it a bunch on the site this offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates will look for outfield help this offseason. Outside of Bryan Reynolds, no one is locked into having a job in the Pirate outfield in 2021.

So far this offseason we have taken a look at outfielders such as Cameron Maybin and Ben Gamel as potential fits for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Another veteran outfielder who could be a fit in free agency is left-handed hitting Brian Goodwin.

The 30-year-old Goodwin split the 2020 season between the Los Angeles Angels and Cincinnati Reds. In 1124 career plate appearances Goodwin has hit for a .250/.317/.455 slash line to go with a 102 wRC+.

Goodwin is a hitter who has sneaky power. His career isolated power (ISO) is a strong .205. He’s slugged .455 in his career and has collected extra base hits at a 11.6% rate. While his 28.7% strikeout rate is higher than you would like to see, he does have a strong 8.5% career walk rate.

Goodwin is also a hitter who hits the ball with authority. During the 2020 season his 89.9 MPH exit velocity ranked in the 69th percentile in baseball, his 41.3% hard hit rate was in the 61st percentile and his 109% barrel rate was in the 72nd percentile. During his MLB career Goodwin owns a 88.3 MPH exit velocity, 36.2% hard hit rate and 7.9% barrel rate, all of which are better than MLB average.

Five years into his MLB career Goodwin is a free agent for the first time. This is a result of the Reds non-tendering Goodwin prior to the tender deadline earlier this month. So, any interest from the Pittsburgh Pirates could hinge on what type of contract Goodwin is looking to snag and what type of role he is looking to play.

Goodwin can play all three outfield positions. Due to this, he could easily compete for a starting job with the Pittsburgh Pirates in either center or right field, depending on what happens with Gregory Polanco.

There could also be a role for Goodwin to play for a few years. Even has top prospect such as Travis Swaggerty and Oneil Cruz begin to arrive in 2021 and 2022, Goodwin could still be a strong fourth outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Assuming the National League adds the desiganted hitter full time in either 2021 or 2022 that could benefit Goodwin with the Pirates as well. Cruz could end up as the team’s DH when he arrives in the Majors, leaving an outfield spot open.

As the Pirates search for outfield help this offseason, Goodwin is a player who could be a fit with the Bucs. He is a name worth monitoring for Pirate fans as the offseason continues to roll on.