Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Players Who Could Come Off the 40-Man Roster for Martín Pérez

Who could lose their 40-man roster spot when the Martín Pérez signing is made official?
World Series - Arizona Diamondbacks v Texas Rangers - Game Two
World Series - Arizona Diamondbacks v Texas Rangers - Game Two / Carmen Mandato/GettyImages
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Outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba

This is one that probably could have easily happened when Andrew McCutchen was re-signed. Instead, Andre Jackson was DFA'd to help him pursue an opportunity in Japan. That said, there are more outfielders than needed on the 40-man roster right now and that could make Canaan Smith-Njigba the odd man out.

Smith-Njigba made his MLB debut in 2022, but a broken wrist ended his debut season after just 7 plate appearances in the majos. Last season, Smith-Njigba made the team's Opening Day roster but would struggle.

His struggled led to Smith-Njigba being optioned back to the minors after 37 PAs. These would be the only PAs he had in the majors last season. In those 37 PAs, Smith-Njigba hit for a .125/.216/.219 slash line with a 17 wRC+ and a 20 OPS+.

At this point it's hard to envision a future with the Pirates for Smith-Njigba. Due to this, it's very easy to see him being designated for assignment to create room on the 40-man roster for Pérez when that signing becomes official.