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
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Outfielder Billy McKinney

On December 14th, the Pirates acquired outfielder Billy McKinney from the New York Yankees in exchange for cash considerations. This came after McKinney was removed from the Yankee 40-man roster earlier in the offseason, and elected free agency before re-signing with the Bronx Bombers as a minor league free agent.

McKinney had 147 PAs in 48 games played with the Yankees last season. The left-handed hitting outfielder hit for a .227/.20/.406 slash line with a 101 wRC+, 98 OPS+, 11.6% walk rate, and a 26.5% strikeout rate in those 147 PAs.

In a MLB career that dates back to 2018, McKinney has played for the Yankees, Blue Jays, Brewers, Mets, Dodgers, and the A's. McKinney owns a .209/.284/.390 slash line with an 81 wRC+, 82 OPS+, 9.1% walk rate, and 26.2% strikeout rate in 915 PAs in 311 career games played.

McKinney is the prototypical fourth outfielder. He can play all three outfield positions, is a plus defender, and is a below average offensive player. Like Lamb, barring spring injuries McKinney will not start the season on the Pirate major league roster. However, it would not be a surprise to see him in the majors with the Bucs at some point in 2024.

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