Smith-Njigba, Bae, Delay make opening day team

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Canaan Smith-Njigba has been told that he is making the Pirates' opening day team.

Also making the opening day team are utilityman Ji Hwan Bae and catcher Jason Delay.

One of the top Pirate hitters this spring, Smith-Njigba hit .333 with a .990 OPS, picking up three home runs, two stolen bases and 14 RBIs. The 23-year-old outfielder's fate had been up in the air as the final roster continues to be finalized, but ultimately, the battle for this spot on the 26-man roster went to a top performer.

"It's a great feeling for the work I put in to be rewarded," Smith-Njigba said to me. "I'm happy to be be part of this organization and for this team believing in me."

Acquired by the Pirates in January 2021 in the Jameson Taillon trade, Smith-Njigba posted a .387 on-base percentage in 52 games with Class AAA Indianapolis before earning a call up to the majors in June. That trip to the majors ended up lasting just three games after he fractured a bone in his right wrist, forcing him to spend the rest of the season on the 60-day injured list.

Driven by not getting a real chance in the majors, Smith-Njigba reported to Bradenton, Fla. back in January to make sure he was healthy and prepared. He ended up having the most consistent spring of any Pirate, never going through an extended lull.

And during that stretch, he often brought up how his goal is to help the major-league team win, starting in 2023.

"I really want it," Smith-Njigba said. "I want to be a big part of turning it around." 

"I'm ready to showcase what I have each and every day as a big-leaguer," Smith-Njigba said shortly after. "I feel like I can be doing this for a very long time. I'm just happy that the road starts in Cincinnati now."

Baseball America ranks Smith-Njigba as the Pirates' No. 20 prospect, and Bae their No. 12.

Bae's spot on the opening day roster seemed much more secure after the club optioned utilityman Mark Mathias to Class AAA Indianapolis Monday. He was in competition for the second base job, but the Pirates could potentially go into the season without a set starter at that position and have him split time with Rodolfo Castro.

"I think both of them are going to play there," Derek Shelton said. "How we actually do it, I don't think we've figured out right now. Some of it will depend on matchups. Some of it will depend if Bae gets out in the outfield too."

Delay edged out Tyler Heineman, the other primary catcher from last year, for the backup position behind Austin Hedges. The Pirates prioritized the defensive side of the game for who will be their backup, and while Heineman graded a little better last year, Delay focused on pitch blocking this offseason, which was the one hole in his defensive game.

That, plus his pre-existing relationships with the pitching staff (which stems from his minor-league days in some cases) helped him get the nod.

"We thought Jason had a good camp in terms of the way he handled our pitching staff, the way he receives the ball," Shelton said. "I think those were the things that stood out."

Delay will require opening open a 40 man roster spot, but lefty reliever Jarlín García could be placed on the 60-day injured list since his left elbow will not even be reevaluated until mid-April, signaling that he will be out for an extended period of time.

MORE FROM THE GAME

• The Pirates lost their final spring tune up 7-5 at LECOM Park Tuesday. Johan Oviedo went five innings of two run ball, striking out seven without allowing a walk.

He also has gotten the official word that he is making the Pirates' opening day rotation since JT Brubaker is dealing with elbow/forearm discomfort.

"I have no words, to be honest," Oviedo said. "It was just a great feeling, to be honest."

• Smith-Njigba fittingly homered as well in his final spring game. 

I joked afterwards that he should save some of those for the regular season now that he knows he made the team.

"I am a firm believer in that," he said, smiling, "but I've got more coming."

• Lefty Rob Zastryzny is heading with the team to Cincinnati, but he hasn't had his contract selected or received official word yet. The Pirates were going to check to see if they wanted to add another player. If they do, it seems reasonable to assume he is the odd man out for the 26th roster spot.

• That's a wrap this spring. Pirates finish the Grapefruit season 9-18-3.

The next one counts. See you in Cincy.