Outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba
Once viewed as a big piece of the Jameson Taillon trade, outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba has failed to launch his MLB career to this point. He made his MLB debut in 2022 but was limited to just 7 PAs before a wrist injury ended his season.
Following a strong spring, Smith-Njigba made the team's Opening Day roster in 2023. However, his time in the majors would not last long. Smith-Njigba hit for just a .125/.216/.219 slash line with a 17 wRC+ and a 20 OPS+ in 37 PAs.
After being demoted to the minors, Smith-Njigba would return to the majors. However, he failed to see any playing time or earn an at-bat during this trip to the majors. On his way to posting a -0.2 WAR last season, Smith-Njigba failed to look like a player who can stick in the majors.
It's hard to envision a long-term future with the Pirates for Smith-Njigba. With this being a big factor, it's easy to see him coming off the 40-man roster to make room for Chapman.