ST. LOUIS – The Pirates are making a pair of free agent signings on the eve of the regular season, signing catcher Andrew Knapp and outfielder Jake Marisnick to round out a projected 28-man opening day roster, per source.
The signings have yet to be officially announced.
Knapp will make $800,000 with no incentives, according to a source, on his one-year deal. According to a report by Bob Nightengale, Marisnick will receive $1.3 million.
The Pirates will need to announce a pair of corresponding roster moves for the two free agents. According to the team's transactions page, right-hander Adonis Medina has been designated for assignment. Medina was claimed off waivers from the Phillies on March 16 and was optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis earlier this month.
Both Knapp and Marisnick were released from minor-league deals earlier this spring so they could pursue major-league opportunities.
The Pirates had a spot for an outfielder open up this week whenever Greg Allen, who appeared to be positioned for a starting job opening day, injured his left hamstring after sliding into home. He will be placed on the injured list. Anthony Alford, another option for an opening day roster spot, was placed on the injured list Wednesday with a right hand injury.
At catcher, the Pirates went into camp holding an open competition between Michael Pérez and minor-league free agent Jamie Ritchie for the backup catcher job, but kept an open eye on the market as well.
Marisnkick, 31, played 99 games with the Cubs and Padres last year, slashing .216/.286/.375 with five home runs and 22 RBIs. While he is usually a light hitter – his only two above average seasons at the plate were with the 2017 Astros and in a cameo with the 2020 Mets – he has been one of the better defensive outfielders over his nine-year career, being worth 52 defensive runs saved in center field and 75 career DRS in the outfield.
Since his debut in 2013, his 75 DRS are eighth-best among outfielders.
Knapp, 30, was worth -8 DRS for the Phillies last year with -0.5 framing runs according to FanGraphs and a .152/.215/.214 slash line over his 159 plate appearances.
He is regarded as a good clubhouse guy who does check all of the intangible boxes for a catcher, though his -1.1 fWAR was the worst among all catchers last season.
The Pirates will open the season in St. Louis Thursday, taking on the Cardinals at 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time. A finalized roster will be released before the game.
