Pirates Add Brewers Outfielder Akil Baddoo to 40-Man Roster After Claim on Waivers
Pirates Make Roster Moves
Pittsburgh claimed Baddoo from Milwaukee and placed him on its 40-man roster. The team also reinstated Rodríguez and Keller from the 60-day injured list, which does not remain in place at the start of the offseason.
The Pirates now have 38 players on the 40-man roster. Baddoo adds outfield depth as the club considers its options for 2027.
Baddoo’s Major-League Record
Across 347 games with the Tigers, he batted .224/.305/.369, with a .674 OPS, 228 hits, 39 doubles, 28 home runs and 104 RBI. His best full season came in 2021, when he hit .259/.330/.436 with a .766 OPS over 124 games.
He played 112 games in 2023, batting .218/.310/.372 with a .682 OPS. Over the past three seasons, he appeared in 38 major-league games, including seven over the last two, and hit .133/.210/.278 with a .488 OPS.
Defense And A Fresh Opportunity
Baddoo has recorded +16 defensive runs saved, +5 outs above average and +1 fielding run value in left field. His numbers in center field were lower: -8 defensive runs saved, -4 outs above average and -4 fielding run value.
Injuries kept him out for two to three months in 2026. Pittsburgh offers him a chance to rebuild his career, with a possible role in 2027 if he improves at the plate and continues to defend well in left.
Pittsburgh’s Outfield Options
The Pirates have a range of outfield choices as they enter a season with postseason ambitions. Bryan Reynolds is expected in left, Oneil Cruz is seeking a healthy season in center, and Esmerlyn Valdez will try to build on his rookie campaign in right.
Jake Mangum can play all three spots. Billy Cook offers center-field defense and pinch-running, while Ronny Simon fills a similar role in the corners but is less strong defensively. Jhostynxon Garcia and Tyler Callihan are also options for 2027, though both need to improve at the plate.
Key points
- Pittsburgh claimed Akil Baddoo from Milwaukee on Nov. 2.
- The Pirates have 38 players on their 40-man roster after the moves.
- Baddoo has played 38 major-league games over the past three seasons.
- Pittsburgh has several outfield options for 2027, including Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz.