Jack

Brannigan

Smith-Njigba, 24, showed off his tools during Grapefruit League play, hitting .200 (5-for-25) with three homers, five RBI and a pair of stolen bases. His time is coming soon, it just isn’t quite yet. Selby, on the other hand, struggled mightily during his spring action — registering an 11.25 ERA, 2.75 WHIP and a 4/4 K/BB ratio over his four frames. He should see action with the Pirates at some point during the 2024 season as well.

The 21-year-old top prospect wound up making five appearances in his first professional season — posting a 5.40 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and a 10/2 K/BB ratio over 6 2/3 innings across three minor league levels. He’s a longshot to crack the Pirates’ Opening Day rotation, but don’t be surprised if we see him at some point in 2024. The 12 other players invited to major league spring training were INF Andres Alvarez, C Carter Bins, INF Jack Brannigan, RHP Bubba Chandler, OF Matt Gorski, C Abrahan Gutierrez, RHP Thomas Harrington, INF Termarr Johnson, RHP Jared Jones, INF Joe Perez, LHP Anthony Solameto and RHP Sean Sullivan.