Designate Josh VanMeter for assignment, promote Ji-Hwan Bae
Somehow, someway Josh VanMeter remains on the Pirate roster. He is like a cockroach, or a turd that just simply will not flush. Even though he adds absolutely nothing to the team’s roster, VanMeter continues to take up a roster spot for some god forsaken reason.
VanMeter should have been designated for assignment months ago. It’s well past time for that move to take place, and in turn the Pittsburgh Pirates need to add utility prospect Ji-Hwan Bae to their active roster.
Bae has put together a tremendous season at Triple-A Indianapolis. Through 366 PAs with the Indians the left-handed hitting Korean product owns a .300/.367/.456 slash line to go with a 120 wRC+, 9.6% walk rate and a strikeout rate of just 18.0%.
Bringing a speed element to the table, the 23-year-old Bae also has 21 stolen bases this season. He can also play all over the field, having played every position except first base and catcher in his professional career.
With his ability to play all over the field it would be easy to get Bae in the lineup every day. Additionally, he could also give the Pirate lineup a much needed boost at leadoff spot. Most of all, Bae could have a very bright long-term future with the Pirates, and it’s time to start to find out.