Pittsburgh Pirates: Position Players Non-Roster Invitees to Watch in Spring Training

These two non-roster invitee position players could see time in the majors this season

Apr 30, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Jake Lamb (18) rounds the
Apr 30, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Jake Lamb (18) rounds the | Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 3

Corner Infielder/Outfielder Jake Lamb

Last season, Jake Lamb played in the majors with the Los Angeles Angels. Lamb had 54 plate appearances in 19 games played, hitting for a .216/.259/.353 slash line with a 64 wRC+ and a 65 OPS+. Lamb hit 2 home runs, a double, and posted a 0.1 WAR while posting a +2 Defensive Runs Saved at first base.

In his MLB career Lamb has played first base, third base, left field, and right field. The 10-year MLB veteran owns a lifetime DRS of 0 at first base and in left field, to go with a -1 DRS at third base and -3 DRS in left field.

For his career, Lamb is a .235/.326/.427 hitter with a 97 wRC+, 97 OPS+, 11.1% walk rate, and a 26.0% strikeout rate in 2650 PAs in 724 games played. Lamb was an All-Star with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017.

Lamb spent the first six years of his MLB career with the Diamondbacks. He started year seven with the D-Backs, before being traded to the Oakland A's. Lamb then split the 2021 season between the Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, 2022 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners, then, as mentioned above, spent last season back in LA with the Angels.

When Lamb is at his best he brings power and high on-base skills to a MLB lineup. These two things combined with his ability to play both corner infield and outfield positions could make him intriguing to a MLB club. While barring injuries this spring Lamb is unlikely to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster, it would not be a surprise to see him find himself in the majors with the Pirates at some point this season.

Schedule