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The legend of Yoshi Tsutsugo continues to grow
Since joining the Pirates in August first baseman/outfielder Yoshi Tsutsugo has done nothing but hit. Against the Reds it was another successful series for Tsutsugo who continues to make a strong case to be re-signed by the Pirates this offseason.
In the series victory over the Reds the left-handed hitting Tsutsugo was 4-for-10 at the plate. Tsutsugo also drew a pair of walks while collecting a double in the series, a double on which he was able to take third base on the throw from the outfield.
Tsutsugo is now hitting for a .296/.393/.690 slash line in 84 plate appearances with the Pirates. This includes 7 home runs, 5 doubles and a triple, he’s also struck out in just 19% of hit trips to the plate which is a low strikeout rate for a batter hitting for this much power.
When the season ends Tsutsugo is set to hit free agency. This should make him a top free agent target for the Pirates, especially with the National League appearing likely to add the designated hitter as part of the new collective bargaining agreement.
Even if the NL does not add the DH this offseason having Tsutsugo around would still be beneficial to the Pirates. He possesses the type of power that no other hitters other than Bryan Reynolds currently on the active roster have. Locking Tsutsugo up to a 1 or 2 year contract needs to be a priority for Ben Cherington this offseason.