Pirates in the Playoffs: Jarrod Dyson
Before the 2019 season got underway, Jarrod Dyson was just another free agent looking for a place to play. At 36 years of age, he is coming to the tail end of his 11-year Major League career, which includes a World Series Championship with the Kansas City Royals. The Pirates had a need in center field, and General Manager Ben Cherrington made a deal to sign the outfielder as the Pirates starting center fielder. It may not have been the ideal situation for an outfielder at the ladder part of his career, but Dyson was prepared to take what he could get and face the challenge head-on.
His speed played well in the spacious outfield of PNC Park and, at 36-years old, Dyson showed that he did in fact have some of that defensive ability left inside of him. However, in order to use that speed, he would have to get on base, which was something that didn't happen very often. Ultimately when the signing was made, you knew that there was almost no chance of a future for Dyson in Pittsburgh. He simply served as a placeholder to help mentor some of Pittsburgh's young outfielders as they developed into everyday Major League players. Let's look back at Dyson's short time with the Pirates and how he went from free agent throw-in to playoff contender.
Lack of Offense Didn't Help Strong Defense
One thing was for sure as soon as the season started, Jarrod Dyson is still a really good outfielder. He used his speed to gallop around the spacious outfield and make almost every play in centerfield. He committed just one error in 143.1 innings of work and picked up one outfield assist. Dyson also helped Cole Tucker in his transition from infielder to outfielder and turned him from hopeless looking outfielder to a guy who could man the position on a regular basis by season's end. It may not show up in all the stats, but Dyson helped the team out tremendously on the defensive side of the ball.
However, his production ended on the defensive side of the ball, as he never got the bat going. In 51 at-bats for the Pirates, Dyson would hit just .157 with no home runs and five RBI in 21 games played. He had an on-base percentage of just .218 and no plate discipline as he struck out 10 times on the season. Because he wasn't reaching base consistently, he wasn't able to use his speed that he is known for. He had just four stolen base attempts on the season and was a perfect four for four in those stolen base opportunities. If Dyson was able to reach base more, he could have used those legs to benefit the Pirates.
Ultimately, Dyson was unable to prove his worth to the team, and the Pirates ended up trying to find a way to move the veteran. It was Cherrington's first big move of the MLB Trade Deadline as he sent Dyson to the Chicago White Sox for International Pool money. The White Sox got a veteran outfielder to help solidify their defense, and the Pirates got some money to help as they continue to build their depleted farm system. With a small market team like the Pirates, good Minor League talent is so important to their success. Hopefully, in the Pirates case, Dyson can help them bring in the next top prospect who will help the team to succeed.
Dyson's Road to the Playoffs
Once he joined the Chicago White Sox, Dyson was in no way the team's starting centerfielder and was used in a limited capacity. He appeared in 11 games for the White Sox but showed a little better presence at the plate. He recorded just 10 at-bats but ended up hitting .300 with no walks and one strikeout. He was a perfect 2-2 in stolen bases and seemed to thrive while getting less playing time in the field. His best game for the White Sox came on September 17th against the Minnesota Twins when he went 2-4 with a run scored. He hasn't had many starts for the White Sox, but he is making the most of his opportunities.
Again his biggest contributions to the White Sox have come on the defensive side of the ball. He has appeared both as a left fielder and a right fielder for the team and has yet to commit an error in 14.2 innings played. He has been used mostly as a defensive replacement, appearing in 11 games and making just one start defensively. He had two putouts in those 11 games played but has been holding down his position when he is out there. He has found a spot on the White Sox bench and is playing his role as the White Sox currently battle the Oakland A's in the National League Wild Card series.
Check back every day as we continue our Pirates in the Playoffs series looking across all 16 playoff teams for players that have spent time in the Pirates organization and are currently in the playoffs. Find out who it is by checking back tomorrow evening. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Buccos Cove, and Twitter, @Buccos_Cove, for great Pirates coverage throughout the off-season.
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