Bae Jihwan, you did it! Joining the opening roster virtually confirmed Swinsky and outfield backup agent selected as PIT's largest media outlet

Mar 25, 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates Bae Ji-hwan has virtually confirmed a spot on the major league's opening roster. ImagesYonhap News

Pittsburgh Pirates Bae Ji-hwan, who struggled to enter the Major League and had a successful spring training, is said to be virtually included in the opening roster.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PG), the largest media outlet in the Pittsburgh region, reported on the 25th that Bae Ji-hwan took a spot in the outfield in an article summarizing Pittsburgh's 26-man opening roster.

PG announced that the Pirates had sent DJ Stewart down to minor league camp after today's game, adding that the last two fielders would go to Jack Swinsky and Bae Ji-hwan. Both players were outfielders. Pittsburgh ended its exhibition game with the Minnesota Twins on the same day.

According to the media, coach Derek Shelton confirmed 11 of the 13 fielders the day before. Catchers Joey Bart and Endy Rodriguez, infielders Adam Frazier, Nick Gonzalez, Isaiah Kiner-Falefa, Kibryan Hayes, Jared Triolo, outfielders O'Neill Cruz, Tommy Pham, Brian Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen made the opening roster. McCutchen is the designated hitter.

Two of the 13 fielders are Bae Ji-hwan and Swinsky's. In this case, the fielder consists of two catchers, five infielders, five outfielders, and one designated hitter.

잭 스윈스키. AP Yonhap News

PG said 'Bae Ji-hwan showed his best performance in this spring training at-bat. His 16th hit and 13th score is the best in his team. He finished the exhibition game with a batting average of 0.381 and an OPS of 1.017 in 20 games. Swinsky also showed off a similar skill. He hit 0.375 with an OPS of 1.023 in 14 games. The two players hit one home run side by side, explaining the performance of the two players in the exhibition game.

Pittsburgh previously announced that it has relocated right-handers Thomas Harrington, Carson Fulmer, Birch Smith, Tanner Rainey, and first baseman and outfielder DJ Stewart to minor league camp.

Selton also selected Carmen Mozinski as the fifth starter on the day. Shelton said "He pitched consistently in the exhibition games. I maintained my speed. I think I prepared well last winter. Breaking ball also improved, so I decided to be the fifth starter", he explained.

However, Jared Jones, who is rehabbing from a right elbow injury, is expected to be ruled out of the opening roster. Shelton plans to check Jones' physical condition at the training center on the 27th, a day before the opening game against the Miami Marlins.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.