Pittsburgh Pirates: Very Early 2022 Opening Day Lineup Preview

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 20: Bryan Reynolds #10 of the Pittsburgh Pirates runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning during their game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 20: Bryan Reynolds #10 of the Pittsburgh Pirates runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning during their game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 20: Yoshi Tsutsugo #32 of the Pittsburgh Pirates at bat during a game between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 20: Yoshi Tsutsugo #32 of the Pittsburgh Pirates at bat during a game between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Designated Hitter: Yoshi Tsutsugo

What a snag this has been for the Pirates. Yoshi Tsutsugo has bounced around and been a disappointment for a few teams. When the Pirates signed him on August 16, the move wasn’t met with much fanfare.

Tsutsugo took the opportunity and has been the Pirates’ best hitter since his arrival.

Ignoring what he did prior to coming to Pittsburgh, Tsutsugo is slashing .306/.394/.682 since signing with the Pirates. He has eight home runs, driven in 21 runs and drawn 13 walks in 99 plate appearances.

Tsutsugo is versatile enough that the Pittsburgh Pirates should at least bring him back next season on a one-year deal. Certainly, he’ll probably cost the Pirates a few extra dollars to do so. But it’s not like his market will be so hot that the Pirates will need to overspend to bring him back.

Next. Five Prospects Who Can Impact the Pirates in 2022. dark

If the designated hitter is a thing on Opening Day, Tsutsugo should still be with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Even if it isn’t his versatility could make him a valuable platoon piece at first base. He should be a Pirate in 2022 regardless.