For Alexander Canario, it feels good to be wanted. The Pirates expressed enough interest in him that they acquired him from the Mets after a strong performance this spring, and he'll immediately be given an opportunity to contribute at the major-league level, albeit in a potentially limited fashion. 

"That gives me a lot of confidence," Canario said via interpreter and major-league coach Stephen Morales. "I'm here to do the job I know how to do and help the team win." 

Canario, who was acquired on Monday, will make his first start in a Pirates uniform against the Yankees this afternoon, but he did get some playing time under his belt in yesterday's home opener. He entered the game in the third inning when Tommy Pham exited due to an illness and struggled at the plate and out in left field, going 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and committing an error out in left field. 

Despite the less than ideal results, Canario said he felt good at the plate and remains confident, especially considering the encouraging results -- .306 average, three home runs and eight RBIs -- he found through 17 spring training games with the Mets. 

"It's all about confidence," Canario said. "I know what I am capable of doing. To go out there every day, do my best and give 100 percent, I think that puts me in a good spot." 

Canario has displayed quality power throughout his professional career, hitting 18 home runs at Class AAA Iowa last year and hitting as many as 37 home runs between three minor-league affiliates in 2022. He hopes to replicate that type of success in the big leagues by following the same gameplan.

"Make sure I make good contact," he said. "I know I am a power hitter and can hit the ball a long way but nothing changes. Just trying to put good swings on the ball and make contact and they’ll go out."