In a roster move that will make all Seattle sports fans happy, the Seattle Mariners have claimed outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In a corresponding move, Seattle has designated right-handed pitcher Darren McCaughan for assignment.
Canaan is the brother of Seattle Seahawks' rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who the team took in the first-round in 2023.
Per the M's release:
Canaan, 24, appeared in 15 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023, going 4-for-32 with a double, triple and 5 RBI in a pair of stints with the big league club. In 105 games with Triple-A Indianapolis last season, the left-handed hitting outfielder hit .280 (109x389) with 57 runs, 28 doubles, 1 triple, 15 home runs, 74 RBI, 21 stolen bases and 53 walks.
Smith-Njigba was originally selected by the New York Yankees in the 4th round of the 2017 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of Rockwall-Heath High School (TX)...
Canaan is the older brother of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (age 21), who recorded 63 receptions, 628 receiving yards and 4 touchdown receptions in his 2023 rookie season for Seattle.
With spring training now less than a week away, it looks like a tough road ahead for Canaan to make the roster, but no matter what happens, Seattle fans are happy to see the brothers reunited in the same city.
The M's currently have Dom Canzone, Jonatan Clase, Mitch Haniger, Cade Marlowe, Dylan Moore, Julio Rodriguez and Taylor Trammell as outfielders on the 40-man roster (and now Smith-Njigba).
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