2012 MLB Free Agents: Pirates Sign Nate McLouth
By Editorial Staff
A reunion between outfielder Nate McLouth and the Pittsburgh Pirates is on the horizon. The Pirates and McLouth have reportedly reached a one-year agreement. The 30-year-old was drafted by the Pirates and roamed Pittsburgh’s outfield until he was traded to the Atlanta Braves in summer of 2009.
McLouth has known much of his success as a major leaguer with the Pirates. Pittsburgh is hoping the veteran can return to the type of player that garnered MVP consideration in 2008.
Over his five seasons in Pittsburgh, McLouth hit at a clip of .261/.339/.462. McLouth broke-out in 2008, batting .276/.356/.497 with a National League-leading 46 doubles. McLouth also tallied 26 home runs, 94 RBI’s and 23 stolen bases that season, earning a trip to the All-Star game as well as a Gold Glove.
These numbers made him a hot commodity on the trade market and, as they’ve done so many times over the years, Pittsburgh traded away their young talent.
Unfortunately for the Braves, McLouth hasn’t been the same player since leaving Pittsburgh. Over his three years in Atlanta, McLouth only managed a line of .229/.335/.364. As his price continued to go up, the Braves decided that McLouth wasn’t worth the contract and decided to decline his option for 2012, making him a free agent.
McLouth provides the Pirates with outfield depth and figures to compete for a starting spot in left or right.
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You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.