Canaan Smith-Njigba’s Pirates Tenure: A Retrospective

7/12/24 By Drew Cagle – @cagles_bagels on X

When Jameson Taillon was dealt from the Pirates to the New York Yankees in January 2021, 21-year old outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba was among the haul that Pittsburgh general manager Ben Cherington received. Infielder Maikel Escotto and pitchers Roansy Contreras and Miguel Yajure completed the trade.

Now just three years after that move, Smith-Njigba is no longer in the Pirates organization. As a matter of fact, he’s not in any organization, becoming a free agent on July 6th, 2024.

This comes after Pittsburgh had placed the outfielder on the Development List back on June 25th. Smith-Njigba was slashing .212/.344/.330 in 54 games at Triple-A in 2024. The Development List serves as a tool for organizations to keep a prospect on their roster, while monitoring his usage. After mere days, Smith-Njigba was released by the Indianapolis Indians.

In looking back on his time as a Pirate, “CSN” appeared in a mere 18 games, hitting .135 and knocking in 5 runs over parts of the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. One of the bright spots of his major league experience came in his debut, doubling off of St. Louis Cardinals closer Giovanni Gallegos as a 9th-inning pinch hitter. Only days later, he suffered a wrist fracture, ending his 2022 season.

In January 2024, the Pirates designated the corner outfielder for assignment. The club needed a 40-man roster spot to sign reliever Aroldis Chapman. Canaan was scooped up by the Seattle Mariners a week later, but returned to Pittsburgh after being waived by Seattle.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Smith-Njigba catches on with another club on a “prove it” minor league deal. His skill set is one that’s desired, featuring a solid mix of contact, speed, power, and arm strength. A teams that is entering a rebuild would be wise to add him and allow him to play his way into a regular role.