This is one in a series breaking down players on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 40-man roster.
Although Brandon Lowe was the headliner among the three players acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays last month, there’s another position player who looks poised to have a role with the Pirates in 2026.
Outfielder Jake Mangum joined Lowe and left-handed reliever Mason Montgomery in the three-team deal that cost the Pirates right-handed starter Mike Burrows, who was shipped to the Houston Astros.
Mangum made his MLB debut with the Rays in 2025 as a 29-year-old rookie. Though Mangum was considered older for a first-year player, he had a solid first showing in the big leagues.
Mangum finished 10th in baseball among players to record at least 400 plate appearance with a .296 batting average. A switch-hitter, Mangum finished the season with a .698 OPS, 18 doubles, one triple, three home runs and 40 RBI.
Mangum is an old-school type of player who doesn’t strikeout (15% strikeout rate) or walk much (4.4% walk rate) but consistently puts the ball in play.
Though Mangum doesn’t possess much power, he was in the 91st-percentile in sprint speed and stole 27 bases in 33 attempts last season.
In addition in his ability to hit for average and steal bases, Mangum provides quality defense at all three outfield spots. He totaled 63 games in left field, 41 in center and 32 in right and combined for a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, three defensive runs saved and six outs above average.
Oneil Cruz is expected to man center field for what will be his second full season at the position despite a lackluster showing. He’ll be flanked by Bryan Reynolds in right and Mangum is an obvious candidate to be the primary left fielder considering how the roster is constructed.
Mangum’s speed and overall defensive abilities will play well in PNC Park’s spacious left field and could compensate for some of Cruz’s shortcomings in center.
Although he may not offer the potential impact that Lowe brings to the Pirates, Mangum looks to be a worthwhile addition who solves some problems.
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