How Does Kevin Newman Fit Into Pirates’ Plans For 2023? (+)
After two consecutive down years at the plate for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kevin Newman bounced back and became a fairly reliable option for the Bucs in 2022.
In 192 games between 2020-21, Newman slumped to a .226/.268/.302 slash line with just six home runs.
Those two seasons of course came after the 2015 first-round draft pick’s impressive rookie season in 2019. That year, Newman hit .308 with an OPS of .800 and a dozen homers.
While Newman didn’t quite replicate his success at the plate this past season, he took a step forward from his disappointing two-year run.
A groin issue accompanied by a hamstring injury sidelined the 29-year-old for quite some time, limiting Newman to just 78 games.
In those 78 games, Newman hit .274 with a .687 OPS (94 wRC+). He recorded 18 doubles and hit a pair of homers.
Heading into next season, the Pirates have an interesting decision on their hands with what to do with Newman.
MLBTradeRumors projects Newman to earn $2.8M in his second year of arbitration this winter — a fair price but one that could prove too rich for the Bucs.
It’s hard to envision Pittsburgh non-tendering Newman, but there is a possibility they could seek to trade their longest-tenured player.
If no trade occurs and Newman does indeed next season in Pittsburgh, his role isn’t quite as clear as it had been in previous seasons.
The Pirates have a number of young middle infield options who spent time at the major league level in 2022.
Oneil Cruz will lock down shortstop for Pittsburgh next season and Rodolfo Castro figures to get a lot of playing time at second base. The Pirates also have Ji-hwan Bae, Diego Castillo and Tucupita Marcano who all spent time up the middle this past year.
So, where does that leave Newman.
Manager Derek Shelton knows the value Newman brought to the club last year and isn’t ready to write him off yet.
“Kevin has more versatility [than middle infield]. He played third a little bit in ’19, he played left a little but in ’19. If you watch the video of that it’s pretty good. I don’t think there’s any doubt that he could go play first base,” Shelton said.
The Pirates have not shied away from getting guys fielding reps at other positions to give them more options defensively. Newman, who was a Gold Glove finalist at short last year, is seemingly another player capable of manning multiple spots.
For his big league career, Newman has only played six games at the hot corner and just nine innings in left, but those reps will likely be increased if Newman is rostered come opening day 2023.
Newman’s right-handed bat and approach is another important factor for the Pirates when looking at their roster construction.
“The other thing that’s valuable is he’s right-handed and we’re extremely left-handed. This is a kid that puts the ball in play a lot. Next year you can’t shift.”
Based off of comments from Shelton, it looks as though Newman fits into the team’s plans in 2022. Then again, you never know what could come along in the offseason.
Newman himself is hoping to return.
He’s been through a lot of losing during his Pirates’ tenure. He was drafted the year Pittsburgh last made the postseason in 2015. Since then, he’s been a part of back-to-back 100-loss seasons.
“I’ve said it before, I love playing here. I love the teammates, staff, everybody,” Newman said. “Been through the lows, so definitely look forward to being part of the highs.”
While it’s been tough sledding in Pittsburgh in recent years, Newman sees the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I like our young talent. I think we got a lot of guys that have really good power. You’ve seen it this year… the energy is good, the competitiveness is good, so those are all things that we can build on.”
If Newman is still wearing a black and gold jersey next year, get used to seeing him in an unfamiliar role, but a role needed to ensure his roster spot.
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