The Pirates announced that outfielder Troy Stokes Jr. has been claimed off waivers from the Tigers. Stokes was designated for assignment by Detroit earlier this week. To create roster space, Pittsburgh has designated left-hander Nik Turley for assignment.
The Tigers claimed Stokes off waivers from the Brewers in September 2019, and the outfielder will end his Detroit tenure without suiting up a single time for any team in the organization, thanks to the cancellation of the minor league season and a broken hamate bone in July that ended his 2020 campaign before it even began.
Stokes has yet to appear in a Major League game, but he should get some opportunity on a rebuilding Pirates team. Stokes has hit .250/.351/.414 over 2355 plate appearances in Milwaukee’s farm system, with an impressive 129-for-159 record in stealing bases. While he has experience at all three outfield positions, the large majority of Stokes’ playing time has come as a left fielder.
Turley tossed 21 2/3 innings for the Pirates in 2020, posting a 4.98 ERA, 21.7 K%, and 9.8 K-BB%. Turley’s only previous MLB experience consisted of 17 2/3 innings with the 2017 Twins, but his career was interrupted by an 80-game PED suspension and then elbow problems. Turley started 139 of 176 games during his minor league career, posting a 3.43 ERA over 787 2/3 innings mostly in the Yankees’ farm system, but also seeing time with the Red Sox, Giants, and Twins.
they never claim guys with their waiver priority but then when a 4th OF type with contact issues hits the wire they gotta get him.
As a Pirate fan, I’m Stoke-d for this move.
(no, not really)
Has a little pop and good speed. Considering the Pirates had both Guillermo Heredia and Jarrod Dyson last year Stokes could actually make the team out of spring training
Too bad the Tigers didn’t waive Greiner instead..
you mean their best catcher?
Uhh, if that’s easier for you.. yes.
You sir have a fantastic handle.
This move should hopefully stoke the MLB hot stove
Outside of his pop-gun arm, he’s pretty solid.
……his .765 career MiLB OPS.
This has AAA depth written all over it.
Here’s our answer. The second coming of Adrian Brown
Tike Redman 2.0
Kind of disappointed he was claimed. He seemed to have potential when we claimed him but never got a chance to show that potential. But doubt he is going to end being an all star either so not a huge loss. Wish him well with the Pirates.
Letting go of Turpley, I know I seen this before. Glasnow? wait that was a trade. Morton? No, wasn’t him. Now, I know I seen this before by a pitching prospect who only had a very small sample size in the majors. You think NH was still GM, hmm?
Shannon —you’re coming off a little crazy here. Turley was a 31 year old with pedestrian numbers.
“Turley” and “prospect” have nothing to do with each other.
Back in 2016 when Stokes was in Appleton, he was an exciting player to watch. All the hustle in the world, just wanted to have fun out there. Back then he reminded me of Josh Harrison.
He’s now on the Buccos. Kinda funny how that works out. Hope he gets some playing time in Pittsburgh.
Willie Mays Hayes comin To PNC!
Typical pessimistic comments from fellow Pirate fans. 😛
It would be nice if the Pirates acted and signed some good players, don’t get me wrong. However, that’s not the fault of Stokes, and that doesn’t mean Stokes wouldn’t be a decent depth piece, if nothing else.
He has been extremely consistent through all levels of the minors, and is only 24. He gets on base very well, is good defensively (as mentioned… minus his arm, which seems below average), and has decent speed.
Stokes is the type of player who could surprise in the majors, for various reasons. That’s cool. Looking at our offense last year, if he produces in the majors the same way he always has at every level in the minors, he’d have been one of our better hitters. LOL
I think there is a possible comparison between Stokes and Tommy Pham.