Pirates Scoop Up Outfielder Hours After Being Waived By AL Team

Less than a day after being released by the Texas Rangers, defensive standout Jake Marisnick has been signed as a free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 31-year-old outfielder has made his mark in the majors with his speed and defense. As a member of the Houston Astros from 2016-2019, Marisnick ranked in the 95th percentile in sprint speed, and in 2019 ranked in the 94th percentile in Outs Above Average (OAA). His defensive runs saved (DRS) are always impressive as well.

Jake Marisnick is a solid defensive OF. +14 DRS in LF, +9 in RF. Below average bat, with a career 81 OPS+. 30.1% K rate, which is pretty alarming. #Pirates
— That Sports Guy (@Jason_Shetler) April 6, 2022

On the offensive side of the ball, he hasn't been able to break through, compiling a .228 lifetime average in nine years in the bigs, with an equally mediocre .665 OPS.

He slots in as a perfect fourth outfielder and late-game defensive replacement, or even as a pinch-runner. And beyond that, if he has a nice first half of the year, as noted by Pirates Talk, he could even net the Bucs something at the trade deadline.

Marisnick landed the Cubs Anderson Espinoza at the trade deadline last year. I know a lot of people are tired of hearing about flip candidates, but this once could land the Pirates something nice if he plays well
— Pirates Talk (@PITPiratesChat) April 6, 2022