BRADENTON, Fla — It wasn’t lost on Jarrod Dyson that he is not only swapping teams with Starling Marte by signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates but also will take his position and his number.
Dyson, who arrived at Pirate City on Thursday after signing a one-year contract, is expected to replace Marte in center field and will wear No. 6 this season. The Pirates traded Marte last month to Arizona, where Dyson played the past two seasons.
“That’s how the game goes sometimes,” Dyson said, with a smile. “You can’t look at it like that. You’ve just got to be thankful. … I just look at it like I’ve got to come here and make my presence known. Marte did a great job with this club. I’m not saying I’m trying to piggyback off what he did. I’m trying to do what I can do to help this ballclub.”
Jarrod Dyson isn’t just swapping teams with Starling Marte by signing with the Pirates after two seasons in Arizona. Like Marte, Dyson will play center field and wear No. 6. pic.twitter.com/CQeWOieGLv
— Kevin Gorman (@KGorman_Trib) February 14, 2020
Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said the 35-year-old Dyson’s elite defense, speed on the basepaths and left-handed bat separated him from other free-agent options. They also signed free agents Guillermo Heredia and JT Riddle this offseason. To make room for Dyson on the 40-man roster, the Pirates placed pitcher Jameson Taillon on the 60-day injured list. Taillon will miss the 2020 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August.
Where Marte slashed .295/.342/.503 with 23 homers and 82 RBIs in 132 games last season, Dyson had a .247/.319/.338 slash line with seven homers and 27 RBIs in a career-high 130 games. When Dyson does get on base, he’s dangerous. He has five seasons with 30 or more stolen bases, including last year.
OFFICIAL: We have signed OF Jarrod Dyson to a one-year contract.#LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/PWYbJrsQQW
— Pirates (@Pirates) February 13, 2020
The Pirates believe Dyson is a good fit and are banking his favorable traits will make up for his lack of hitting.
“I think anytime you add a player with his skill set and ability to run, a left-handed hitter who can play center field and hits nice, it’s going to be nice to have him in camp,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “He’s a good defender. He runs really well. And he’s a really good teammate. Anybody that you talk to that’s been around him or played with him, he’s been a quality individual. That’s something that we’re looking for.”
Pirates pitcher Joe Musgrove, who played against Dyson when he was with Arizona and Seattle, said he’s happy to have Dyson on his side because his ability to “wreak havoc” on the basepaths can “put stress on pitchers.”
“I think his defense speaks for itself, especially at PNC Park,” Musgrove said. “You’ve got that big gap in left center. That’s a lot of field to cover. Losing a guy like Marte is tough for pitchers. He saved a lot of outs for us, a lot of extra-base hits. But I’ve played against Dyson … and his defense adds an extra element to the game.”
Dyson knows it’s his calling card, so he’s embracing the opportunity to compete for a starting job.
“That’s my philosophy when I’m out there: I take pride in defense more than anything,” Dyson said. “I tell myself, ‘If I can stop my pitcher from making one extra pitch that can get them to the next inning, I’m all for it.’ That’s how I play defense. I want the ball to come to me.”
Dyson also has played in two World Series, winning a world championship with the Kansas City Royals in 2015. Shelton called that a bonus, as the Pirates are counting on Dyson to provide leadership to their young core.
“He’s one of those guys in the outfield where if you hit it to center field, you’re holding your breath the whole time,” first baseman Josh Bell said. “He’s a guy with a great track record. He probably has a lot of stories for us, playing in really big ballgames.”
Dyson didn’t downplay that the free-agent market was moving slow for him while he waited at home in Mississippi, and he’s aware of what the Pirates are looking for from the veteran outfielder.
“I’ve been around the game and understand the game. I know what direction it’s headed,” Dyson said. “You’ve got a lot of kids around here who are working hard and trying to improve themselves. I think I can help with that.”
Love baseball? Stay up-to-date with the latest Pittsburgh Pirates news.
