Pittsburgh Pirates: Middle Infield Options for 2022 Season

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Sep 29, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Michael Chavis (31) throws to first base to complete a double play against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

2021 trade deadline acquitions

A trio of players acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates at last summer’s trade deadline could prove to play a big role with the team’s middle infield in 2022. The first of these three players is left-handed hitting Hoy Park.

Park got off to a hot start with the Pirates last season. He then struggled down the stretch which included a stint at Triple-A Indianapolis. However, Park was victimized by an unsustainably low batting average on balls in play during his struggle. Earlier this week we previewed what 2022 could hold for Park, which will almost assuredly include cracking the Opening Day roster. This should include plenty of opportunities for Park to make starts at second base.

Another July 2021 acquisitions who could factor in his Michael Chavis. Like Park, Chavis got off to a hot start with the Pirates. Unfortunately, an elbow injury landed him on the injured list and cost him time.

In 42 plate appearances with the Pirates the former first-round pick hit .357/.357/.500. His OPS was a health .857 and he picked up 4 extra base hits. Chavis can play the corner infield/outfield positions, as well as second base. If the Pirates do not add a first baseman between now and Opening Day the Chavis could see time there with Yoshi Tsutsugo as the team’s designated hitter, assuming the new CBA includes a universal DH, even if this is not the case, he could find himself getting reps at second base, especially if he continues to hit well as he did with the Pirates post-trade last season.

The key piece of the Adam Frazier trade last July was utility man Tucupita Marcano. Marcano is a player that Ben Cherington has long been high on as he attempted to acquire Marcano in the Joe Musgrove trade.

Marcano can play every position except catcher and first base, but is an infielder by trait. Marcano, like Park, will likely crack the team’s Opening Day roster. He too could see plenty of reps at second base, as well as reps at shortstop on days Newman is off or if Newman’s offensive struggles continue. The Pirates being very high on Marcano will work in his favor as well.

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