New Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington continued to supplement his roster, announcing the signing of free agent infielder/outfielder JT Riddle on Friday.
Riddle was signed to a major league deal and became the final member of the 40-man roster with the start of spring training less than two weeks away.
Riddle, 28, ostensibly replaces Starling Marte on the roster and as one of the team’s top four outfielders this season. Riddle bats left-handed, and the Pirates’ other offseason veteran MLB outfield addition, Guillermo Heredia, hits right-handed, suggesting a platoon.
JT Riddle thought his first hit of 2018 might be a good opportunity to get a new home-to-home time.
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) May 30, 2018
We don't disagree. #JuntosMiami pic.twitter.com/egOpMsI4dv
Though Riddle was drafted as an infielder and has the bulk of his professional experience as a shortstop, he played more as a center fielder last season for the Miami Marlins (31 games, 26 starts in center compared to 12 games, seven starts at shortstop).
Riddle hit .189/.230/.371 last season for the Marlins and has a career slash line of .229/.269/.371 in 223 MLB games over three seasons.
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