The Pirates are claiming first baseman/corner outfielder Trey Cabbage from the Astros, reports Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 (X link). Neither team has officially announced the move.
Houston had not previously designated Cabbage for assignment. They evidently placed him on waivers in recent days to take him off the 40-man roster. He would’ve qualified for minor league free agency had he gone unclaimed, but Pittsburgh saw enough to give him a 40-man spot.
Cabbage, 27, has played in 67 big league contests over the last two years. He made 22 appearances for the Angels two seasons ago and got into 45 contests with Houston this year. He hasn’t done much offensively, limping to a .209/.245/.331 slash line while striking out 60 times in 147 plate appearances (a 40.8% rate). The swing-and-miss is nothing new, as Cabbage has fanned in more than 30% of his Triple-A plate appearances. He has shown big power and surprising athleticism in his minor league career, though, including a 30-30 showing in the Halos’ system back in 2023.
Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to find an answer at first base in recent seasons. Cabbage isn’t a long-term solution, but he’s a depth flier who still has a minor league option remaining. If the Bucs carry him on the 40-man all winter, they can keep him in Triple-A for another season.
The Pirates need to spend some cabbage, not sign a .209 hitting one.
I’m sure Vogelbach is available, he’s hit better in the past. But in all seriousness there are first basemen available, Christian Walker being one of them, but the Pirates are probably going to dumpster dive, as shown here.
Pirates tell Astros, “Lettuce have Cabbage!”
A good cabbage trey aboard any pirate ship would prevent the dreaded scurvy.
Sauerkraut Saul is excited about the Cabbage signing.
“ Pittsburgh hasn’t been able to find a first baseman……blah blah blah
And this signing proves it!
spare me your beliefs that I should. calm down. When you are voted as the site monitor maybe we can have a rational conversation.
A Pirate fan since 1966 and a one time 30 year season ticket holder I have earned my right to call it like it is with this franchise
this franchise is owned by a business man whose only concern is profits, ZackMorris and as long as he’s the owner, this team will continue to fight for last place finishes
No pennant or WS championship since 1979 says it all
They haven’t exactly done a great job of looking for one either
Something about how Cherington is a bonehead despite being given $40 million less than other small market teams to work with.
Clean house! I don’t have any further suggestions past that.
I know a lot of these moves are just roster fillers and placeholders until Spring Training ends and final rosters are set, but man I hate reading these every few weeks for the Pirates.
Pirates cut 1 bum, add another bum to take his spot.
In Trib article over the weekend Cherington said that he expected payroll to increase for next season but not by way of top tier free agents
He will do it by trades and dumpster diving
We have young bats that need to play. I’m expecting a $15M starter and some more Chapman type bullpen additions
only by trades, we won’t see another Chapman type signing.
Ben has been adamant about that
I don’t care how adamant he’s been, my guess is they’ll still sign at least 1 of the typical one year deals.
“We have young bats that need to play.” We do? News to me.
“I’m expecting a $15M starter and some more Chapman type bullpen additions.” Might want to prepare for disappointment.
no offense to anyone who thinks we have players in the minors that are major league ready or that Ben
will spend significant money for a sty
you’re living in fantasyland.
They have exactly zero position players in the minors ready for major league pitching
Clearly a move dictated by the Pirates top brass-ica.
As the article indicates he is filler. .Problem is the Pirates never get past the filler stage. Chapman is about the only FA the Pirates signed in the last few years who had any pedigree and the ability to help the ballclub be competitive. I would like to see one or two good free agents signed instead of 4-6 has beans or never was guys.
MLB trades rumors should do a fan poll on whether or not the Pirates actually sign a free agent to a 2 year or more contract.
Do you think an elite free agent would sign with Pittsburgh, even if the money were competitive? Nothing against the city. I like Pittsburgh. But players want to be stars and be seen these days. Nobody from the Pirates is getting offers to promote Nike or Burger King.
They get offers to promote Primanti Bros though,
I was being sarcastic, but if a semi top FA went to Pit they would probably have to pay more then most places would
Typical borscht league move by the pirates
Big power. Find a way to cut those strike outs would be huge. Don’t have much faith in the pirates staff being able to get that to happen.
Ben still hasn’t signed a hitting coach to replace Haines
Ben is trying to make halushki with this roster and needs some Cabbage.
Feels like this is the move you make before you get Cole.
Alex Cole maybe but not Gerritt Cole and the former has been out of baseball for years
Cole Slaw?
No one slaw this move coming.
He was a good hitter in the PCL , maybe the Pirates should join that league since we value their players.
A+
Of all the players who are flooding the market of dfa’s and waivers, Ben is giving a 40 man spot to a guy with a 40% K rate. This is clearly an org guy, Indy
fans will enjoy his raw power.