Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Players Left Off Roster Fans Will See

Mar 13, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Troy Stokes Jr. (69) celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the New York Yankees during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Troy Stokes Jr. (69) celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the New York Yankees during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
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VENICE, FLORIDA – MARCH 09: Troy Stokes Jr. #69 of the Pittsburgh Pirates catches a fly ball during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves during a spring training game at CoolToday Park on March 09, 2021 in Venice, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
VENICE, FLORIDA – MARCH 09: Troy Stokes Jr. #69 of the Pittsburgh Pirates catches a fly ball during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves during a spring training game at CoolToday Park on March 09, 2021 in Venice, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Outfielder Troy Stokes Jr.

Few players turned more heads with the Pittsburgh Pirates this spring than outfielder Troy Stokes Jr. The right-handed hitting Stokes Jr. was impressive at the plate while flashing plus defense in the outfield.

In 33 at-bats this spring Stokes Jr. slugged .424, while hitting a pair of home runs and collecting a double. He used his speed to be a menace on the base paths and his defense in the outfield was jaw dropping at times.

This spring, the former Milwaukee Brewers and Detroit Tigers farmhand looked like a player who belongs on a MLB roster as a fourth outfielder. While the Pirates did not have a spot for the 25-year-old Stokes Jr. on the Opening Day roster, it would be a surprise if he does not see any MLB time this season.

Between injuries, trades, players not performing, etc., the Pittsburgh Pirates will need to dip into the minor leagues for bench help this season. When that time comes, Stokes Jr. could be one of the first players they turn to.

Like De Jong, Stokes Jr. will start the season at the Pirates’ alternate training site. When the minor league season begins he will find himself in the outfield for Triple-A Indianapolis.

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