The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to add first baseman and corner outfielder from the Houston Astros, according to a report from Ari Alexander of KPRC 2. While neither team has made an official announcement, the move appears to stem from Houston’s recent decision to waive Cabbage, aiming to clear him from their 40-man roster. If Cabbage had gone unclaimed, he would have qualified for minor league free agency, but the Pirates opted to pick him up and add him to their roster.
Cabbage, 27, has played in 67 major league games over the past two seasons. In 2022, he made 22 appearances with the Los Angeles Angels and joined the Astros this year, playing in 45 games. Unfortunately, his performance at the plate has been underwhelming. He managed a .209/.245/.331 slash line, striking out 60 times in just 147 at-bats, marking a high 40.8% strikeout rate. This issue with strikeouts has been a recurring challenge for Cabbage, as he has consistently struggled with strikeout rates exceeding 30% in Triple-A as well.
Despite his struggles with making consistent contact, Cabbage has showcased notable power and athleticism in the minor leagues. A highlight of his career came in 2023 when he achieved a rare 30-30 season in the Angels’ farm system, underscoring his capability to hit for power and provide speed on the bases.
The Pirates, who have struggled to find a consistent option at first base in recent years, view Cabbage as a potential depth piece rather than a long-term solution. However, Pittsburgh’s decision to claim him and utilize his remaining minor league option could give them some flexibility. By retaining him on their 40-man roster over the winter, the Pirates could keep him in Triple-A for further development while also having him available for call-up if needed during the season.
If he refines his approach at the plate and cuts down on strikeouts, Cabbage could add value as a versatile player with power potential. For now, he provides the Pirates with a low-risk addition to their roster, giving them an option to bolster depth at first base and the outfield heading into the upcoming season.
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