Should Pirates Take Chance on Recently-DFA’d Outfielder?

The Pittsburgh Pirates addressed their outfield need this offseason by signing veteran Tommy Pham to a one-year contract.

When looking at the back of his baseball card, Pham has had a solid career in his 11 big-league seasons. However, Pham is coming off of a season in which he registered a 91 wRC+ with three teams and turns 37 years old next month.

It’s a gamble for the Pirates, one they are hoping pays off. But if it doesn’t, the Pirates could be in a tough spot to try and get production from the third spot in the outfield next to Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds.

Jack Suwinski is off to a good start this spring but is coming off a dreadful 2024 campaign. Joshua Palacios brings a big personality to the clubhouse but hasn’t been an impact performer yet. Other options in the organization don’t inspire much confidence either.

But there is one somewhat intriguing option the Pirates now have the chance to add.

The Washington Nationals made their deal with relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan official on Thursday. To get him on the roster, 29-year-old Stone Garrett was designated for assignment.

Garrett, in addition to possessing a great name, has has success during his time in the big leagues.

The native of Sugar Land, Texas, has played 118 games across the last three seasons with the Nationals. Combined, he’s slashed .276/.341/.492 with 26 doubles, 14 home runs, 53 RBIs and six steals.

Garrett totaled a career-high 89 games in 2023 and posted a healthy 1.9 bWAR. That year, he hit .269 with an .801 OPS, 17 doubles, nine home runs and 40 RBIs.

Now, there are some red flags with Garrett. In his career, he’s struck out in 30% of his plate appearances and has a .369 BABIP. Additionally, towards the end of the 2023 season, Garrett sustained a gruesome leg injury that required surgery, but he returned to the field last year.

Despite some concerns, Garrett possesses more upside and intrigue than several players currently on the Pirates’ 40-man roster.

Though he could be due for some level of regression, he’s proven he can be an impact hitter at the plate. He’s also been a solid defender as evident by five defensive runs saved in 2023 and a strong arm.

Garrett also has the luxury of starting the season in the minor leagues. He has two more minor-league options available, according to Fangraphs.

Time will tell if the Pirates ultimately choose to pursue adding Garrett, but if I was in Ben Cherington’s shoes, I would at least inquire.