Pittsburgh Pirates Claim Utilityman Off Waivers From Tigers

August 26, 2025 ,
Detroit Tigers outfielder Ryan Kreidler hits a single during 2025 game.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have added depth to their roster, claiming utility man Ryan Kreidler off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. 

Kreidler, 27, was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis after being designated for assignment by Detroit last week. While his bat has yet to translate at the Major League level, his defensive versatility made him an attractive low-risk pickup for Pittsburgh.

Kreidler’s struggles in Detroit

Originally a fourth-round pick in 2019, Kreidler has played parts of four seasons in the majors but never found consistency at the plate. Across 89 big league games, he owns a .138/.208/.176 slash line with just two career home runs and a high 31.8% strikeout rate. 

In 17 games with Detroit this season, he hit just .105 with 19 strikeouts. Despite his struggles, Kreidler has remained a respected defender, seeing time at shortstop, third base, second base, and even center field.

Fresh start in Pittsburgh

While Detroit no longer had room for him thanks to Javier Báez’s resurgence and a strong supporting cast, the Pirates see a potential role for Kreidler as a glove-first depth piece. He posted a much more encouraging .251/.374/.410 line in 84 games with Triple-A Toledo this year, adding 25 doubles and 14 steals. 

For Pittsburgh, whose offense has ranked among the league’s weakest in recent years, Kreidler could compete with Liover Peguero and Ronny Simon for a bench job down the stretch.

Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | NHL Rumors