Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Players Impressing This Spring

Outfielder Travis Swaggerty

Last week, we talked about Travis Swaggerty turning heads in camp. The former first-round pick looks completely healthy for the first time since spring training in 2021. As a result, the 25-year-old could be playing his way into an Opening Day roster spot.

Had it not been for a shoulder injury that ended his season after just 12 games at the Triple-A level in 2021, Swaggerty likely would have made his MLB debut that summer and been given a real opportunity to lockdown a starting job. Last season, he did finally make his MLB debut, but was limited to just nine at-bats. An early season concussion also had a negative impact on his season.

This spring, Swaggerty finally looks healthy. With healthy usually comes improved play and that is eacabtly what the Pirates have seen from Swaggerty this spring. Swaggerty has looked good at the plate, his swing looks strong, and he has played good defense in the outfield.

Entering play on Tuesday Swaggerty had accumulated 18 plate appearances in 11 Grapefruit League games. In these 18 PAs he has hit for a .294/.333/.647 slash line to go with 2 home runs, a walk, and just four strikeouts.

If the Pirates continue to get this version of Swaggerty he very well could make the team's Opening Day roster. Even if he starts the season at Triple-A, if he continues to look the way he has this spring he should get an opportunity in the majors at some point in the 2023 season.