Pirates Claim Akil Baddoo

The Pirates have claimed outfielder Akil Baddoo off waivers from the Brewers, according to announcements from both clubs. The Bucs have 40-man space and don’t need to make a corresponding move.

Baddoo, 28, didn’t play in the majors this year. He had a good rookie showing back in 2021 but struggled in subsequent seasons. The Brewers signed him to a major league deal ahead of the 2026 campaign. He suffered a left quad strain in spring training and began the season on the IL. When he was ready to come off the IL in May, he was optioned to Triple-A.

He ended up performing well in 64 games at that level. He hit 11 home runs and stole seven bases. His 23.3% strikeout rate was around average while his 12.2% walk rate was quite strong. He slashed .252/.342/.469 for a 113 wRC+ while spending time at all three outfield spots.

Baddoo exhausted his final option in 2026 and is now out of options. That will make it harder for him to hold a roster spot going forward. The Brewers bumped him off but the Bucs have scooped him up, at least for the moment.

The Pirates project to have Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds in two outfield spots. Esmerlyn Valdéz, Jake Mangum, Jhostynxon García and others will be trying to earn playing time next to Cruz and Reynolds. Baddoo is now in that mix as well. If he holds his roster spot through the winter, he could compete for a role during spring training. If he is outrighted off the roster later in the offseason, he would have the right to elect free agency, both because he has a previous career outright and because he has at least three years of service time.