Pittsburgh Pirates: Predicting the Next Roster Moves
By Marty Leap
Kevin Newman activated, Yu Chang designated for assignment
Kevin Newman is currently on the 60-day injured list and has been out of action since late April. Even though the Pittsburgh Pirates currently have open spots on their 40-man roster which is needed when a player returns from the 60-day IL, with Yu Chang out of options look for him to still be designated for assignment.
At this point in his career Newman is what he is. He is a poor hitter with average shortstop defense. With the Oneil Cruz Era now in full force, it’s hard to envision Newman taking back the starting shortstop job that he has had with the Pirates since 2019.
Chang has struggled mightily for both the Cleveland Guardians and Pittsburgh Pirates this season. The right-handed hitting infielder has hit for a woeful .135/.237/.212 slash line to go with a wRC+ of 37 in 59 PAs.
Newman and Chang are both right-handed hitting infielders. This is why designating Chang for assignment to make room on the roster for Newman makes sense. It would not be a surprise to see Newman get a large bulk of starts at second base when he returns, nor would it be a surprise to see the Pirates trade Newman before the July 31st trade deadline.