Ji Hwan Bae’s Style of Play Perfect For Pirates in New Age
PITTSBURGH — Entering spring training, it was unclear as to whether Ji Hwan Bae would crack the Pittsburgh Pirates’ opening day roster.
Bae found himself in competition to be the club’s starting second baseman and was also in the running foe a utility-type role. Eventually, Bae’s upside and performance combined for enough for the Pirates to bring Bae with them to the season opener in Cincinnati.
Once Oneil Cruz went down with an injury, it became easier for Bae to see the field. The versatile Bae has seen playing time at second base, shortstop and has received most of his reps in center field.
On the other side of the equation, while Bae may never take home a Silver Slugger, what he does do is perfect for the Pirates. His abilities are even more magnified with the new rule changes that were implemented this season.
Between the limited pickoff attempts and the bigger bases, stolen bases are up and aggressiveness on the basepaths is more apparent. Both changes play into Bae’s skillset perfectly.
“For me, I got used to (the rule changes) from Triple-A because I played like 80% of the season there at Triple-A. So, I got used to it. I think the big league pitchers hate it, but I like the pickoff limit,” Bae said with a smile.
Ever since Bae started professional baseball, his speed has always been his best tool. That speed has been on full display in the majors this season.
The Pirates have been one of the most aggressive teams on the bases through the early part of the season. As a team, nobody is afraid to run. 37-year-old Carlos Santana had two stolen bases in a three-game stretch during the team’s last homestand — his first steals since 2021.
“I feel like a lot of people slept on stolen bases. They really care about more home runs, strikeouts, you know. I think baseball, one little freaking run can change the game, you know, one pitch. It’s really good to see the players, who (don’t really) try and steal, I really love to see it,” Bae said.
Even when Bae doesn’t take off on a steal attempt, he’s still impacting the game.
For an opposing pitcher, it becomes even harder to focus on a batter when someone as fast as Bae is lurking on one of the bases. That is even further magnified knowing that they can only keep a baserunner close for so long with the new rules.
“You know, in the big leagues, everyone pitches well, everyone hits well so they got to think about each other. But I feel like I can help out my teammates (when I’m) on the bases.”
Bae’s ability has helped the Pirates get off to a strong start to the season this year. Bae’s message on how to keep things rolling is simple.
“Just like this. What we’re all doing right now,” he said.
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