Daniel Nava a Buc

[Ecbucs]

From MLB Trade Rumors:



The Pirates have reached agreement with free agent outfielder/first baseman Daniel Nava, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (via Twitter). It’s a minors pact that includes a MLB camp invite.



Nava, who’ll turn 35 in a few weeks, had a nice bounceback campaign last year with the cross-state Phillies. He was limited to eighty games of action owing to injuries, which also perhaps prevented him from being dealt to a contender in the middle of the season, but turned in an undeniably productive overall effort.



Over 214 total plate appearances, Nava slashed a robust .301/.393/.421. Though he managed only four home runs, he exhibited a command of the strike zone (just 38 strikeouts with 26 walks) of the type that led to his prior MLB success.zone (just 38 strikeouts with 26 walks) of the type that led to his prior MLB success.



Of course, teams were no doubt also wary given that Nava had struggled over the prior several campaigns. While he grades as a solid defender in the corner outfield, he isn’t exactly a prime asset with the glove. And Nava is pretty clearly a strict platoon asset: the switch-hitter has long been far more successful against right-handed than left-handed pitching.



For the Bucs, those limitations are just fine. As middling as his production has been against southpaws, Nava dominated (.341/.423/.474) when hitting with the platoon advantage last year. He ought to have a fair shot at earning a MLB roster spot in camp. Odds are — as the Pirates’ updated depth chart suggests — he’ll end up in a time share in the corner outfield.

[fjk090852-7]

I was hoping for player who had a little more thump. Nava is a good defender, and as noted he will probably become a platoon player in left field. I doubt if the Bucs will now pursue any additional outfield help.

[SammyKhalifa]

seems like a good 4th OF if that's what you're expecting of him though.

[SCBucco]

So, we are still waiting a third outfielder, one that can actually hit and hit with power. This is a typical bottom of the basement sign by the Pirates.

[JollyRoger]

Whoo Hoo Daniel Nava a Buc.

That makes me want to book a flight from sunny California to the Burgh so I can witness this incredible acquisition first hand

[BucsFaninGA]

I have always liked Nava. He performed well in limited role while with BoSox and last year with Phils. While he is not what I was expecting, he is better than nothing. Typical Nutting, Huntington acquisition...he came cheap and has skills. Will be interesting to see what else they do, if anything! Beat'em Bucs

[dogknot17@yahoo.co]

It's a minor league deal. He is not a guarantee roster spot.

[Bobster21]

416467677259646C6E790B0 wrote: Whoo Hoo Daniel Nava a Buc.

That makes me want to book a flight from sunny California to the Burgh so I can witness this incredible acquisition first hand
Don't wait to book your flight. This acquisition is sure to create many sellouts and the hotels will be full.

[SCBucco]

38333B373233286D6B1C253D343333723F335C0 wrote: It's a minor league deal. He is not a guarantee roster spot.


So, we are still waiting to sign a competent starter in the OF and add a 4th OF.  Sweet. I'm sure with the way this organization works, he will be handed over a starting spot because the cost is right.

[CarolinaBucco]

I still consider this to be a roster with only two REAL outfielders, and one of the two (Polanco) is always hurt and oh by the way is terrible at outfielding.



So we have Marte (who has is own huge question marks and baggage), one corner OF who is bad defensively ... and 3 guys (Frazier, Luplow and Nava) who are "sort-of" outfielders.



Gotta love the Pirates ...