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While the Pittsburgh Pirates have yet to make any major signings on the free-agent market this offseason, one former Pirate is already on the move.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post, infielder Kevin Newman has agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Angels on a one-year deal with a club option for the 2026 season. The signing was first reported by Sam Blum and Will Sammon of The Athletic.
The Pirates selected Newman in the first round (No. 19 overall) of the 2015 MLB Draft out of the University of Arizona. He made his Major League debut with Pittsburgh in 2018 and spent the bulk of his career there before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds following the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Over parts of five seasons with the Pirates, Newman slashed .260/.303/.357 with a WAR of 3.1. A down season in Cincinnati saw him designated for assignment and ultimately released at the end of 2023. He signed a minor league contract in the 2023-24 offseason with the Arizona Diamondbacks and eventually appeared in 111 MLB games in a utility role last season, rebounding nicely with a .278/.311/.375 slash line at the plate.
Former Pirates shortstop Kevin Newman lands with Angels in early MLB free agency deal
The Angels signed Newman after learning that starting shortstop Zach Neto could miss the start of the 2025 season following shoulder surgery. Newman is expected to take over shortstop duties if Neto is not ready by Opening Day and could eventually shift to a bench/utility role once he returns.
Among all free-agent shortstops this offseason, Newman ranked fifth out of 10 with a 1.4 WAR. He trailed only Willy Adames, Ha-Seong Kim, Jose Iglesias and Paul DeJong. Adames received a qualifying offer from the Milwaukee Brewers, and the rest remain unsigned
The Pirates, meanwhile, are still searching for a long-term solution at shortstop after abruptly moving Oneil Cruz to center field late in the 2024 season. The club appears to be committed to Isiah Kiner-Falefa as the starting shortstop for the time being, though. Much like Newman, Kiner-Falefa is probably best deployed off the bench in a utility role.
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