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Wilmer Difo
GRADE: C+
2021 Stats: 116 games, .269/.329/.384, 4 home runs, 24 RBI, -0.3 WAR
Bringing Wilmer Difo back for the 2022 season isn’t the worst idea. He had one of the better averages on the team and plays all over the field. His .713 OPS would’ve ranked fifth on the team if he qualified with enough plate appearances.
The lasting image many will have is his error against the Cubs on September 3 when he missed an easy pop-up in the 11th inning that led to a walk-off win for Chicago. As silly as it was, it can be forgotten.
Guys like Oneil Cruz, Diego Castillo, and other Pirates prospects will likely begin next season in Indianapolis. Difo is a nice stop gap to have until those guys begin to arrive later in the season. He’ll be 30-years old on Opening Week so his performance as a player isn’t going to unexpectedly boom out of nowhere.
His numbers playing at PNC Park align very similarly to his season numbers so he hits well and is comfortable playing at home.
Maybe the Pirates will bring Difo back for one more season. He is a solid and productive veteran presence to have. In the right circumstance, the Pirates can send him for something to another team at the deadline when their prospects begin to graduate to the majors. Teams love a super-utility guy.