Pittsburgh Pirates: Former Utility Man Signs With New Team

Yet another former member of the Pittsburgh Pirates is headed to the Oakland A's after signing a minor league contract

As the MLB offseason begins to rev up, the Pittsburgh Pirates West are starting to form. After signing 2023 Pirate members Miguel Andújar and Osvaldo Bido to minor league contracts earlier this month, the Oakland A's have added another ex-Pirate. This time, it's utility man Hoy Park.

Park spent the entire 2023 season at the Triple-A level for the Atlanta Braves. With the Gwinnett Stripers, Park hit for a .262/.385/.379 slash line with a 101 wRC+ in 389 plate appearances. This included a strong 15.4% walk rate, to go with a 22.1% strikeout rate.

In his major league career, Park owns a .201/.291/.346 slash line, 73 wRC+, 10.5% walk rate, and a 25.2% strikeout rate in 210 PAs between the Pirates and New York Yankees. This includes a .202/.293/.348 slash line, 74 wRC+, 10.5% walk rate, and a 25.4% strikeout rate in 209 PAs with the Pirates.

During his MLB career Park has played all over the field. He has played third base, shortstop, second base, and all thre outfield spots. Although, hsi time in the outfield, at least with the Pirates, has been a real, mmm, adventure.

Hopefully, Park can find success with the A's. We wish him nothing but the best in his new endeavor. Here's to hoping he can catch on with Oakland's MLB roster and make an impact for the A's during the 2024 season.