The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed first baseman Darick Hall to a minor league contract, a move he announced on Instagram this week. Hall, a minor league free agent after the 2023 season, was removed from the Phillies’ 40-man roster in August.
Hall was drafted by the Phillies in the 14th round of the 2016 draft and showcased his power in the minors, posting a .253/.342/.458 slash line with 76 homers over 1,735 plate appearances at the Triple-A level. His strong 2022 season earned him a call-up to the majors, where he impressed with a .250/.282/.522 line and nine home runs in 142 plate appearances.
In 2023, Hall’s season was marred by a thumb injury that sidelined him for over two months, leading to struggles in the majors with a .167/.196/.241 line in 56 plate appearances. He spent most of the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, hitting .236/.320/.387 in 488 plate appearances, but didn’t do enough to earn another look from the Phillies.
Hall’s path to regular playing time was also blocked by a crowded roster in Philadelphia, with Rhys Hoskins, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber occupying most of the first base and DH roles.
Now with the Pirates, Hall faces a similar challenge, as Andrew McCutchen is expected to get the majority of DH at-bats, and newly-acquired Spencer Horwitz is set as the regular first baseman.
Both Hall and Horwitz are left-handed hitters, limiting platoon opportunities, though Hall may find a niche against right-handed pitchers.
Hall has limited outfield experience, so it’s unlikely the Pirates will use him outside of first base. As he is out of minor league options, the Pirates would need to place him on waivers if they want to send him to the minors after Spring Training.
