Pittsburgh Pirates Players in the 2023 World Baseball Classic

Pittsburgh Pirates v Los Angeles Dodgers
Pittsburgh Pirates v Los Angeles Dodgers / Harry How/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 9
Next

Team Great Britain: Outfielder Chavez Young & Right-Handed Pitcher Tahnaj Thomas

After being acquired by the Pirates in the Zach Thompson trade to the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this offseason, 25-year-old Chavez Young is looking to be a speedy outfielder for Team Great Britain.

Last season in Triple-A, Young had a mediocre offensive season, posting a below-average slash line at .234/.331/.350, hit 5 home runs, drove in 21RBI, and had an 86 wRC+ in 65 games. On the bright side, Young was able to steal 20 bases that season and was able to walk 12.1% of the time at the plate. If Young improves on offense, he could be a very serviceable fourth outfielder in the future.

One of the best players on this list is 23-year-old flamethrower Tahnaj Thomas and he will be a great addition to Great Britain. After converting from a starter to a reliever at the start of the 2022 season in Double-A Altoona, Thomas found better success out of the bullpen. In 50.2 innings pitched, Thomas had a 3.02 ERA, a 3.63 FIP, struck out 52 batters, only walked 20 batters, and had a 1.26 WHIP. Thomas had a career-low 0.71 HR/9 and limited his walk percentage significantly.

While Thomas and Young are both from the Bahamas, they are representing Team Great Britain in this tournament alongside former Pirates pitcher, Vance Worley. Best of luck to these men in this tournament!