The Pittsburgh Pirates made some bold moves this offseason, bringing in veteran hitters Ryan O'Hearn and Marcell Ozuna through free agency and acquiring Brandon Lowe via trade. They also added a promising top-100 prospect in Jhostynxon Garcia. But amidst these headline-grabbing additions, there's one name that might not be getting the attention it deserves: outfielder Jake Mangum.
Mangum joined the Pirates from Tampa Bay alongside Lowe and left-handed reliever Mason Montgomery in a three-team trade that saw starting pitcher Mike Burrows head to Houston. At 29, Mangum might seem like a late bloomer, but his rookie year numbers tell a different story. He batted .296 over 428 plate appearances, swiped 27 bases, and showcased his defensive prowess across all three outfield positions.
Already turning heads at Pirates spring training, Mangum is quickly earning a reputation as a tough out at the plate. Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette described him as a "nuisance at-bat," noting how he spoiled seven pitches from Jose Urquidy before finally flying out. It's clear Mangum's approach is making an impression.
Last season's stats back up Mackey's observations. Mangum swung at 62.1% of pitches, the highest rate in MLB, significantly above the league average of 47.6%. While this aggressive approach might suggest a lack of plate discipline, Mangum's results tell a different story.
Despite his high swing rate, Mangum maintained a whiff rate of just 18.9%, indicating he makes contact more often than not. This makes him a formidable challenge for opposing pitchers who struggle to game-plan against his style.
Mangum's approach offers two key advantages. He's a split-neutral switch-hitter, batting .304 against right-handers and .279 against lefties, making him a consistent threat regardless of who's pitching. Additionally, his 91st-percentile sprint speed allows him to turn routine plays into infield singles and be a constant threat on the basepaths, evidenced by his 27 stolen bases in 33 attempts.
The Pirates needed an offensive boost this offseason, and while power was a priority, Mangum's unique blend of aggression and speed adds a valuable dimension to their lineup.
As the Pirates gear up for the 2026 season, Mangum's ability to disrupt pitchers and capitalize on his speed could prove pivotal. While Lowe and Montgomery might be seen as the marquee pieces of their trade, Pirates fans should keep a close eye on Mangum's impact in the upcoming season.