Pirates release noteworthy 34-year-old rookie

The Pirates released infielder Drew Maggi, according to reporter Pat Ragazzo (Twitter link). 

Maggi didn’t have any hard feelings about the situation, telling Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Pirates fans are “the best in the world. And thank you to the Pirates organization. I’m not done yet!”

Maggi made his MLB debut earlier this season, appearing in three games for the Pirates and getting two hits in six plate appearances. At age 34, Maggi waited a long time for that cup of coffee in the majors, as he has been in pro ball since he was a 15th-round selection for the Pirates in the 2010 draft. 

Maggi bounced around to five other teams’ farm systems from 2015-22 before returning to the Pittsburgh organization last August in a minor trade with the Phillies.

Maggi’s minor league time this season has been with Double-A Altoona, and as Mackey noted, Maggi hasn’t played a game since July 8. A move to the development list on July 14 hinted that Maggi’s time with the Pirates was nearing an end, and Mackey writes that with so many young prospects in need of playing time, Maggi was the odd man out.

With a reputation as a strong clubhouse leader, Maggi might draw attention from another team looking to add some veteran leadership within its minor league ranks. 

Coaching or managerial roles also seem like possibilities down the line, though Maggi isn’t yet ready to hang up his glove.