Jarrod Dyson Reportedly Signs With Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates aren't giving new manager Derek Shelton much to work with, as they traded star outfielder Starling Marte to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

To fill the void, Pittsburgh has signed an inexpensive veteran in 35-year-old speed merchant Jarrod Dyson. Dyson is expected to report to Pirates spring training soon.

Can confirm the reports that Jarrod Dyson has a deal in place with the Pirates, pending a physical today. A defense-first add. I like it. @JonHeyman was first to report the deal was close; @JMackeyPG was first to say the deal was in place.
— Stephen J. Nesbitt (@stephenjnesbitt) February 12, 2020

Dyson, an integral part of some championship caliber Kansas City Royals teams over the first seven years of his career, spent the last two seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Dyson only has 21 career home runs, but seven of those 21 came last season. He also stole 30 bases in a campaign for the fourth time in his career, which is impressive for a guy who isn't always afforded regular playing time.

You shouldn't expect Dyson to suddenly turn into Dave Parker with the bat, but you can count on him making some terrific defensive plays and his speed causing havoc on the basepaths.

Dyson with the D-backs last season: .230/.313/.320 slash line, 30 steals, 13 Defensive Runs Saved and 6 Outs Above Average, 1.3 WAR.

The @statcast metrics pretty much capture what Jarrod Dyson brings on the field: high-level speed and defense, not much with the bat. pic.twitter.com/yGVzdSKCNS
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) February 12, 2020

You know what you're going to get with Dyson. His bat isn't going to impress, but he is a blindingly fast runner who plays excellent defense.