McKinney displaying offensive ability, versatility in search of roster spot

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Billy McKinney isn’t unfamiliar with his current situation.

Throughout his professional career, which began after being drafted by the Athletics in the first round of the 2013 draft, McKinney has had to make the most of his opportunities in hopes of earning more. 

He bounced around between six organizations prior to being acquired by the Pirates in a December trade with the Yankees and earning a non-roster invite to major-league spring training. Now, he's faced with another chance to prove he’s worthy of capturing a roster spot. 

“I’m just grateful to the Pirates for bringing me on,” McKinney said last week. “I’m just enjoying camp and taking it one game at a time, that’s all you can do. You can’t look forward and you can’t look back. Just stay in the moment and do the best you can.” 

McKinney, 29, is hoping what he's learned through past experiences with the Blue Jays, Yankees, Dodgers, Mets, Athletics and Brewers will help his cause. A six-year journeyman who has been involved in seven trades and played in 311 big-league games during his career, McKinney had previously been mentioned as a player in competition for playing time in right field this season. 

The addition of free-agent outfielder Michael A. Taylor adds a wrinkle to the mix, as Jack Suwinski will likely move over to left field on a more regular basis with Bryan Reynolds shifting to right, leaving one potential bench spot up for grabs between the likes of McKinney, Edward Olivares and Joshua Palacios.

“There is a lot I’ve learned through the years and I think it’s just helped me stay in the present moment and focus on the task at hand,” McKinney said. “When I was younger, it was easy to try to connect dots and look through everything. Now, there’s always a lot going on for everybody, so I’m really trying to compartmentalize everything and stay within myself.” 

McKinney has made the most of his opportunities to showcase his abilities this spring. In 16 games, he’s batting .361/.477/.583 with two home runs, nine RBIs and 10 runs scored. He’s walked eight times and struck out four times. 

“Just trying to hit the ball hard and have good at-bats,” McKinney said. “When you can control the zone and have quality at-bats, I feel like good things should happen eventually. I just try to stick to that.” 

McKinney has reached base safely in all but one game he’s played in this spring. After going hitless for the first time against the Yankees on Friday, he went 2 for 3 with a solo home run and two runs scored against the Braves on Saturday. His second straight multi-hit performance came in the form of a 2-for-4 showing in an 11-2 win over the Phillies on Monday. He contributed to the scoring by going opposite field for an RBI double in the second inning: 

In addition to his offensive production, McKinney has showed his versatility on the defensive end, too. He’s played 11-plus innings at each outfield spot -- including 20 in center -- and spent 20 1/3 innings over at first base.

So, if McKinney were to earn his way onto the opening day roster, he could be a candidate not just for playing time at each of the three outfield spots, but to also step in at first if needed. 

“I’m feeling good," McKinney said. "I feel comfortable at all three outfield spots and at first. I enjoy them all, especially in today’s game where everybody is looking for versatility because it’s probably nice for the manager to have." 

For Derek Shelton, versatility is certainly a plus. McKinney has worked to make that a bigger part of his game. He's appeared in 247 career games in the corner outfield spots, as well as 28 games at first base and 12 in center field. 

“We’ve talked about it organizationally, not just at the major-league level, how important versatility is,” Shelton said. “It was one of the things when we acquired Billy that we liked. He’s actually played all three spots in the outfield and first. Versatility is really important to us.” 

McKinney’s offensive production has stood out during the early part of his tenure with the Pirates, but his versatility is something that could also benefit him once decisions have to be made as to who will join the team for the season opener in Miami next week. 

“If somebody comes into the yard and says they’re not feeling good, somebody can plug into that spot that day,” McKinney said. “Versatility is very important in today’s game, so that’s why I’ve tried my hardest to get as good as possible at all four positions.”