Pirates Claim Akil Baddoo, Restore Two Players to Roster
Pittsburgh claimed outfielder Akil Baddoo from Milwaukee on November 2 and returned catcher Endy Rodríguez and pitcher Mitch Keller to its 40-man roster.
The Pittsburgh Pirates added outfielder Akil Baddoo to their 40-man roster after claiming him off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers on November 2. They also reinstated catcher Endy Rodríguez and right-hander Mitch Keller, both previously on the 60-day injured list. Pittsburgh now has 38 players on its roster, with Baddoo providing another outfield option for 2027.
Baddoo did not play for Milwaukee last season. Before joining the Brewers, he spent five seasons with Detroit, appearing in 347 games and batting .224 with a .305 on-base percentage and .369 slugging percentage. He hit 28 home runs and drove in 104 runs for the Tigers.
His strongest season came in 2021, when he batted .259 with a .766 OPS in 124 games. Across the past three seasons, however, he appeared in just 38 major-league games, including seven over the last two, and hit .133 in that span. Injuries kept him out for two to three months in 2026.
Baddoo has recorded positive defensive metrics in left field, while his numbers in center have been weaker. The Pirates’ projected outfield includes Bryan Reynolds in left, Oneil Cruz in center and Esmerlyn Valdez in right. Jake Mangum, Billy Cook, Ronny Simon, Jhostynxon Garcia and Tyler Callihan are among the other available options. Baddoo could compete for playing time next season if he improves at the plate and continues to defend well in left.