The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to look for solutions for the lineup.
According to Colin Beazley, the Pirates claimed Ryan Kreidler off waivers from the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. Kreidler, a utility man who has played all over the field, was designated for assignment by Detroit after hitting .190 in 38 at-bats in 2025.
Kreidler has played all over the field, but has more innings at shortstop than any other position. This season, however, he’s played exclusively center field at the major league level.
In 2022, the year he debuted, Kreidler generated five outs above average in 201 innings, a very high rate. While he’s been versatile in the field, he’s never been able to handle major league pitching. Over his four years in Detroit, he hit .138 in 89 games. Strikeouts have been an issue for Kreidler, who’s struck out in 31.8% of his plate appearances.
It’s a zero-risk move for the Pirates, who rank near the league in offense. They haven’t had much production from the infield, either. Pirates’ shortstops have just four home runs and a .301 on-base percentage this year. Pittsburgh’s third basemen have similar results with four home runs and a .276 on-base percentage.
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Kreidler has an option remaining and can be optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.
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