The Pirates have agreed to a minor-league deal with outfielder Travis Snider, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reports on Twitter. Snider, 27, was recently released by the Orioles.
With the move, Pittsburgh brings back a player that it dealt just last winter. Snider had a breakout 2014 campaign with the Pirates, slashing .264/.338/.438. But he struggled in his time with Baltimore, hitting a disappointing .237/.318/.341 in his 236 turns at bat.
Snider’s strong work last year earned him a $2.1MM arbitration salary, though the O’s will remain on the hook for that tab (less the pro-rated portion of the league minimum salary for whatever time Snider spends in the big leagues). He comes with an additional season of control via arbitration.
Great signing to bolster the Pirates September bench. Much better PH option than Travis Ishikawa. And he was one of the biggest clubhouse guys for the Pirates the last couple years.
Also, great job by Huntington to “Pirate” Brault and Tarpley from the O’s!
Fun fact: they used to be the Pittsburgh Alleghenies. They were accused of “Pirating” players away from Philadelphia. They liked the name, so they stuck with it.
Extra Fun Fact: They were the Pittsburgh Alleghenys (not Alleghenies) :)
Bonus Fact: The steelers were originally called the Pittsburgh Pirates as well
not so fun fact:
after moving up north do you know how long it took me to get used to the spelling of Allegany? 9 months
Dont Forget about Brad Lincoln, he will be with Travis in AAA.
very awesome deal especially if they can keep him around at least through spring. they saved his salary and got two arms that went from probable depth guys to possible rotation guys. The Pirates play off run looks bright especially if there are no more injuries and Mercer, Harrison and Burnett make it back.
Lots of ifs, including whether Burnett can pitch at the number three starter level if he does return, but you are right.
Also, Cole needs to harness command better in the zone. He’s left wayyyy too many pitches over the heart lately. Liriano is often a walk or two away from falling off, also.
They all need to be less foolhardy, especially with errors and tootblans. What we have seen this season is not the same generally sound but aggressive play in those areas in recent years, often reckless.
Even Cutch and Kang could stand to chase less, and unless Alvarez gets hot, who the heck do you put at first if Aramis can’t? Rodriguez? Morse? Not great options.
But I am excited to see what September holds. Other teams certainly have more glaring issues.