Pittsburgh Pirates sign outfielder Chris Dickerson to minor-league deal
By Matt Shetler
Still searching for a first baseman, the Pittsburgh Pirates added an outfielder Monday afternoon, one with MLB experience who could have a chance at winning the final bench job in spring training.
Sep 20, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Chris Dickerson (36) talks with manager Buck Showalter (26) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Pirates have signed outfielder Chris Dickerson to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training, according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
The 31-year-old Dickerson batted .238/.266/.400 with four homers and five stolen bases in 109 plate appearances for the Baltimore Orioles in 2013.
He also saw 160 plate appearances at the Triple-A level where he slashed .243/.350/.368. Dickerson is capable of playing all three outfield positions and has a .745 OPS in 708 career plate appearances.
While the Pirates starting outfield is set with Starling Marte, Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata, I would expect Dickerson to compete with Travis Snider for a bench job.
Dickerson was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2003, making his MLB debut in 2008. He has also played for the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees.
His best season was his rookie year, when he hit .304 with a .413 on-base percentage and six homers in 122 plate appearances.
He decided to sign with the Pirates after also drawing interest from the Yankees and Cleveland Indians.
Dickerson is already in Bradenton, Fla., for workouts, adds Biertempfel.