The Pittsburgh Pirates were part of a blockbuster three-team trade with the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, receiving three new players from the Rays in Brandon Lowe, Mason Montgomery and Jake Mangum.
While Lowe is a two-time All-Star and the centerpiece of the Pirates’ return, Montgomery and Mangum are both less experienced players with intriguing potential. Montgomery is a 25-year-old left-hander with a career 12.9 K/9 rate over his first two seasons, profiling as a possible bullpen weapon for Don Kelly.
Meanwhile, Mangum is coming off a solid rookie season with Tampa Bay. A late bloomer, he finally reached the Major Leagues at age 29 and made the most of it, showing off good speed, contact skills and defensive ability. The switch-hitting outfielder batted .296/.330/.368 with three homers, 40 RBI, 27 steals in 33 attempts and 1.6 WAR in 118 games.
After the trade was announced on Friday, Mangum announced on X how excited he is to come to Pittsburgh.
“Absolutely fired up to get to work for the Pittsburgh Pirates. I’m going to give yall everything I got! Looking forward to building new relationships and getting to know the Pittsburgh community. Let’s get to work! Raise the Jolly Roger!” Mangum posted.
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That’s exactly the type of attitude the Pirates are looking for as they look to improve next season. They need hungry, determined and enthusiastic players who are committed to helping the organization win.
Mangum hasn’t played for Pittsburgh yet, but he already seems like a great fit.
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Featured image via Isaiah J. Downing/Imagn Images