The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed a premium on versatility, which played a role in their signing of free agent Wilmer Difo on Friday.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder fits the bill of super utility player, having played second base, shortstop, third base and the corner outfield spots in six seasons with the Washington Nationals.
Minor-league deal for Difo. $1 million plus incentives if he reaches the majors. https://t.co/oBSHGC9rMh
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 15, 2021
Difo, 28, agreed to a minor league deal with the Pirates that will reportedly pay him $1 million plus incentives if he makes the major league roster this season. Known for his good glove and speed — he stole 10 bases in 2017 and ‘18 — Difo batted .247/.309/.348 with 29 doubles, 11 triples, 15 home runs and 79 RBIs in 373 games for the Nationals.
You can't spell "Wilmer Difo" without "D" and "O."
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) April 18, 2019
You just can't. Try it. pic.twitter.com/Qgp4XfCoPy
Difo batted .271 with 10 doubles, four triples, five homers and 21 RBIs in 124 games in 2017, then followed by hitting .230 with 14 doubles, seven triples, seven homers and 42 RBIs in ‘18. He played only 12 games last season, going 1 for 14 (.071) before being designated for assignment on Sept. 5. Difo cleared waivers and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate in Fresno, with a non-roster invite to spring training.
Instead, Difo elected free agency. With the Pirates, he could fill the utility role occupied last season by JT Riddle, who played every position but pitcher and catcher and batted .149 (10 for 67) with two doubles and one home run in 23 games. The Pirates outrighted Riddle off their 40-man roster after the season, but he elected free agency.
