Pirates announce they have claimed outfielder Will Robertson Take the White Sox off waivers. Ryan Kreidler are designated for distribution in the corresponding move.
Pittsburgh is Robertson’s third MLB appearance in the past four months. He came to Chicago via trade from Toronto in July after being designated by the Blue Jays. Since being drafted by the team in 2019, Robertson has spent his entire career in Toronto’s minor league system until this season.
A strong start to the Triple-A season gave Robertson his first taste of the MLB in June. Before getting the call, he was slashing .292/.403/.578 with the Buffalo Bisons. Robertson made three starts with the Blue Jays and recorded his first MLB RBI single on June 15 against the Phillies. This would be his only encounter with the team.
Robertson is spending his first week with the major league club in Chicago. He appeared in four games, starting two of them. He went 0-for-6 with four strikeouts. Robertson was selected as a 3A player on July 19. He returned to the White Sox on August 27 and served in a semi-regular role for the final month of the season. Robertson made 13 starts in September while also serving as a pinch-hitter twice. He had seven hits in 44 at-bats.
Andrew McCutcheon and Tommy Van is a free agent so Pittsburgh could use some outfield depth through 2026. Robertson’s ongoing strikeout issues will make it difficult for him to hold down a regular MLB job, but he has shown strong potential at times in the minor leagues. Last season, he hit 20 homers in a Triple-A game between Buffalo and Charlotte. Robertson hit 19 homers in 464 games with Buffalo in 2024, tying his 2023 record with Double-A New Hampshire.
Pittsburgh claimed Kreidler off Detroit in August. He spent one week on the major league roster in September before returning to Triple-A Indianapolis. Kreidler did not play with the Buccaneers.
Kreidler spent parts of his four MLB seasons with the Tigers. He hit just .138 in 211 games at the highest level. His main appeal is defensive versatility. Kreidler played second base, shortstop, third base, left field and center field with Detroit. If Kleidler clears waivers, he will be eligible for minor league free agency at the start of the offseason.
