Pirates add another two veterans on minor-league deals as spring training nears

The Pirates posted their non-roster invitees for spring training on Monday and, in a unique way, broke some news by including two players that were not previously reported as signed. In the post, they annouced two new minor-league additions to their organization, one a pitcher and the other an outfielder.

They have added plenty of depth to their minor leagues all offseason, but as all teams do, continued to stock their organization up with veterans this week.

This time around, the Pirates have added outfielder Bryce Johnson and right-handed pitcher Burch Smith.

Pirates add Burch Smith and Bryce Johnson on minor-league deals prior to spring training

Smith is a player that could make an impact on the team in 2025, in the event that injuries occur. He is not a player that will likely win a spot out of spring training, but he is a solid arm to have stashed away in Triple-A. He is a 34-year-old right-hander that has had a below-average career, but has had moments of effectiveness during his long tenure in the bigs.

Last season with the Orioles and Marlins, Smith posted an earned run average of 4.95 with a FIP of 3.66 across 56.1 innings and struck out 46 batters. Opponents batted .282 against him, and he walked hitters at a 5% clip to generate a WHIP of 1.35. He does get hit around a bit, but that FIP was solid.

The other addition was Johnson, an outfielder who has not gotten many at-bats in the major leagues, but was productive in Triple-A last season. That is likely where he will start the season in the Pirates organization. Their depth in the outfield is not great across all levels, which is why they added him to the depth chart.

Last season in Triple-A, Johnson put up an on-base percentage of .407 and paired it with a slugging percentage of .431 to create an OPS of .838. He belted four home runs, driving in 34, and stole 20 bases. His wRC+ reached 118 and he struck out at a 20.4%.

These signings are normal as teams look at the totality of their organization, and the Pirates have made so many this offseason. These two are much needed depth additions, and they will prove themselves this spring looking for a spot in Pittsburgh.