Pirates Part Ways with Prospect Pursuing Foreign League—Is This the End of the Road?

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a notable roster move, releasing first baseman/outfielder Trey Cabbage, a decision first reflected on the MLB transaction log. Cabbage, who was claimed off waivers from the Houston Astros last month, is reportedly now set to pursue an opportunity in a foreign league, as confirmed by MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf. This release has opened a spot on the Pirates’ 40-man roster, reducing it to 37 players.

Cabbage’s brief time in Pittsburgh comes after a tumultuous year between the Astros and the Pirates. After the Astros attempted to outright Cabbage off their roster in the offseason, he was claimed by Pittsburgh. While he could’ve contended for a spot on the Pirates’ roster during Spring Training, his position was far from guaranteed. Even if he had made the 40-man roster, Cabbage still had an option remaining, meaning there was a high likelihood he would have spent the majority of the season with Triple-A.

However, it appears that Cabbage is finalizing a deal with a team in a foreign league, likely in pursuit of a better financial opportunity. This move is understandable, given Cabbage’s intriguing blend of power and speed, which had some scouts taking notice during his time in the minors.

The Minor League Journey: Highs and Lows

Cabbage’s minor league career has been marked by both impressive flashes of talent and significant struggles. In 2023, while playing for the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate, Cabbage put up an eye-catching 30-30 season with a .306/.379/.596 slash line, showcasing his potential as a dynamic offensive force. His power-speed combo made him a sought-after prospect, and many wondered if he could translate that success into a full-time MLB role.

However, his 2024 season was less stellar. Cabbage’s production dipped to a .243/.351/.474 line, a far cry from his previous output. His brief time in the majors also left much to be desired. With the Astros, Cabbage appeared in 45 games, but his performance at the big league level was underwhelming. In 147 plate appearances, he posted a .209/.245/.331 slash line, with a troubling propensity to strike out — a problem that MLB pitching has exploited ruthlessly.

In fact, Cabbage’s strikeout rate has been a significant issue throughout his career, with a near-41% strikeout rate in the upper minors. His struggles to make consistent contact at the major league level have been a major hurdle in his journey toward securing a full-time roster spot. Despite his tools and raw power, Cabbage has found it difficult to harness those skills against top-tier pitching.

A Fork in the Road

At 25 years old, Cabbage still has time to refine his game, but the move to a foreign league could represent a crucial step in his career. The financial incentives of playing overseas, combined with the opportunity to compete in less demanding leagues, could provide Cabbage the space he needs to retool his approach and rebuild his confidence.

The Pirates, for their part, likely saw Cabbage as a depth piece — someone who could potentially add value as a versatile player, but one who would face an uphill battle to make the roster, particularly with the team’s depth in the outfield and at first base. As Cabbage now shifts his focus overseas, the Pirates will move forward without him, focusing on their long-term goals for the 2024 season.

Looking Ahead

For Cabbage, the next step in his journey could be a pivotal one. While his time in MLB has been brief and often disappointing, the international circuit offers a fresh start. Whether he finds success in another league or returns to the U.S. with a refined skill set remains to be seen, but Cabbage’s story serves as a reminder of how quickly the career trajectories of young players can shift.

As for the Pirates, they’ll continue to work on their roster as the 2024 season approaches, and while Cabbage’s departure is relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, it opens up another opportunity for Pittsburgh’s front office to continue shaping a competitive team. The Pirates’ 40-man roster now stands at 37, giving them more flexibility in the coming weeks.

Cabbage’s future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: his potential is still alive, even if it takes a different path to realize it.