The Pittsburgh Pirates now need to make a decision. The fate of Bae Ji-hwan this season could be determined by this decision.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now, which covers news about the Pittsburgh Pirates, explained the final competition scenario for the Pittsburgh opening roster on the 21st (Korean time). It focused on the backup outfield position that Bae Ji-hwan and Jack Suwinski are competing for.

The media introduced Bae Ji-hwan and Suwinski, stating, 'Two players are competing for one bench spot. Both are showing impressive performances in this spring camp, leaving behind last year's poor results.'

Suwinski has shown more than Bae Ji-hwan. While Bae Ji-hwan has received high marks for speed and contact ability, Suwinski is a player who is marked for his power.

He has also demonstrated significant results in Major League Baseball. In his debut season in 2022, he had a batting average of .222 (66 hits in 236 at-bats) in 106 games, but he showed production with 19 home runs and 38 RBIs, boasting an OPS of .709. The following year, in 2023, he recorded a batting average of .224 (100 hits in 447 at-bats), 26 home runs, and 74 RBIs in 144 games, performing as a starting outfielder. He was first on the team in home runs and OPS in 2023. However, his performance dropped last year to a batting average of .182 (45 hits in 247 at-bats), with 8 home runs and 26 RBIs, resulting in a fall from grace. The media explained, 'Suwinski had a truly terrible 2024 season. He, who was the home run and OPS leader for Pittsburgh in 2023, fell into a severe slump afterward. He was demoted to Triple-A Indianapolis on July 30, 2024, and was not called up until the end of the season.'

In the case of Bae Ji-hwan, it is still hard to say he has performed well in the Major Leagues. He debuted in 2022, the same as Suwinski, and had a career-high season in 2023. He recorded a batting average of .231 (77 hits in 334 at-bats), 2 home runs, 32 RBIs, 24 stolen bases, and an OPS of .608 in 111 games. His peak is lower compared to Suwinski.

However, both players are competing on equal footing in the current spring camp, and their performances are excellent. Bae Ji-hwan is recording a batting average of .444 (16 hits in 36 at-bats), 1 home run, 4 RBIs, 12 runs scored, 3 stolen bases, and an OPS of 1.168 over 17 games, delivering outstanding performances. He leads the team in hits during the exhibition games.

The media stated, 'Based on the achievements of both players in spring camp, they both demonstrate enough ability to be included in the opening roster,' but added, 'Given the current projected roster composition, it is likely that only one of the two will start the season with the team.' Furthermore, both players still have minor league options available, so there are no concerns about waivers if they are sent down to the minors. Ultimately, the Pirates must decide by comparing the values of Suwinski and Bae Ji-hwan. The media said, 'Pittsburgh needs to think about which value is more important and make its decision,' mentioning that 'Suwinski certainly possesses more power than Bae Ji-hwan and has a career walk rate of 12%, demonstrating on-base ability. However, he has only a career batting average of .270 with a high strikeout rate and is not rated highly defensively.'

In addition, regarding Bae Ji-hwan, it was mentioned that 'his biggest advantage is his speed. His sprint speed is among the top in the league. His ability to be utilized in a wider variety of defensive positions compared to Suwinski is a benefit. He can play not only the outfield but also second base.' However, it was noted that 'for Bae Ji-hwan's speed to shine, he first needs to get on base. He has not yet shown sufficient on-base percentage in the big leagues.'

It is a difficult decision. The media's choice was Suwinski. They noted, 'We will choose Suwinski, who has greater potential at the plate.' However, they also did not overlook Bae Ji-hwan's performances in the exhibition games, emphasizing that 'considering the achievements Bae Ji-hwan has shown in the exhibition games, sending him to the minor leagues would not be an easy decision.'

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