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Former Dodgers Infielder Signs MiLB Deal With Pirates

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Dodgers
By Jason Fray | Last updated 12/24/23

In the offseason, veteran players without a guaranteed spot are always looking for the best possible situation to latch on somewhere.

These players will have to prove themselves during spring training. For vets who've enjoyed prior success, there are times when young teams -- ones that won't be contending for much -- take a flier on the experienced players as a means to have them be positive influences in the clubhouse for younger talents.

This appears to be the case for 2017 All-Star Jake Lamb.

Source: Pirates and Jake Lamb in agreement on a non-roster deal. Has played 1B, 3B and OF. Career .753 OPS over 10 seasons.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) December 21, 2023

The former Dodgers infielder signed a minor league deal to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Considering the low expectations of the club, there's a real chance Lamb could end up making the Opening Day roster.

Lamb has played the vast majority of his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He had back-to-back seasons (2016-17) with at least 29 HRs and 91 RBIs. Since then, he hasn't come close to those numbers.

After leaving Arizona, Lamb bounced around to several clubs (Oakland, Chicago, Toronto) before landing with the Dodgers briefly. He had a strong spring training in 2022 which ultimately led to him making the team.

Jake Lamb (21)
Regular Season

Opponent: Los Angeles Dodgers
Pitcher: Kenta Maeda
Date: July 17th, 2016

Exit Velocity: 105.6 MPH
Distance: 417 Feet
Launch Angle: 32º pic.twitter.com/dVgIERnPvj
— Diamondbacks Home Runs (@ARI_Homers) December 20, 2023

Lamb hit .239 with two HRs and four RBIs in 67 at=bats before being traded to the Seattle Mariners. Last year, Lamb played briefly for the Los Angeles Angels.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Dodgers and was syndicated with permission.

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