Triumph Through Tenacity: Bae’s Spring Training Surge

After a rollercoaster ride through the minor leagues and a few challenging seasons in the majors, Bae Ji-hwan’s determination has paid off. The 26-year-old’s strong showing during spring training proved decisive, earning him a coveted spot on the Pirates’ roster. Local media outlet, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, confirmed the news, citing an official declaration from the club.

Roster Revelation: Bae Joins Key Players

Bae Ji-hwan will be joining established players such as Andrew McCutchen,Bryan Reynolds,Oneil Cruz,Jack Suwinski,and Tommy Pham,forming a dynamic lineup for the Pirates as thay embark on the 2025 season.

A Journey to the Majors: From Minor League to MLB

Bae’s journey to the major leagues began in 2018 when he moved to the United States to pursue his baseball dreams. After working his way through the minor league system, he made his MLB debut in 2022, offering a glimpse of his potential with a .333 batting average, 6 RBIs, and 3 stolen bases in limited at-bats.

His initial performance showed promise, hinting at the player he could become with more experience.

2023: A Full Season of Growth and Setbacks

The 2023 season marked Bae’s first full year in the majors. While his batting average settled at .231 with 2 home runs, 32 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases, an ankle injury hampered his progress for nearly a month. Despite this setback, his speed on the basepaths was evident, tying him for 16th in the National League in stolen bases.

Bouncing Back: 2024 Challenges and 2025 Resurgence

The 2024 season proved to be a difficult one for Bae, as he struggled with injuries and inconsistency, resulting in a .189 batting average in 29 games. However, a strong offseason and adjustments to his batting form fueled a resurgence in spring training 2025, where he posted an impressive .341 batting average with 7 home runs and 41 RBIs.

Spring Training Success: A Roster Spot Secured

Entering his fourth season in MLB, Bae ji-hwan showcased his improved hitting and adaptability during spring training. Despite a slight dip in performance towards the end due to limited opportunities,he maintained a .381 batting average with one home run, four RBIs, and three stolen bases over 20 games.This performance was enough to secure his place on the opening day roster, avoiding a return to the minor leagues.