Pirates third baseman Cam Devanney has signed with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. Originally a 15th-round pick by the Brewers in 2019, Devanney made his MLB debut with Pittsburgh late in the 2025 season after a trade from the Royals. Despite a promising performance in Triple-A Omaha, he struggled in the majors, leading the Pirates to part ways with him in favor of exploring opportunities abroad.

By the Numbers
  • Devanney batted .272/.366/.565 with 18 home runs in 69 games at Triple-A Omaha.
  • He had a strikeout rate of 55.3% during his brief stint in the majors, with a .139 batting average in 14 games for the Pirates.
Yes, But

While Devanney's departure aligns with the Pirates' roster strategy, it raises questions about their depth in the infield, especially given the performance of both Tsung-Che Cheng and Enmanuel Valdez on the 40-man roster.

State of Play
  • Devanney's move to Japan is part of a trend with other MLB players, including Bob Seymour and Roansy Contreras.
  • The Pirates are prioritizing improving their infield depth and offensive options this offseason.
What's Next

As more players with uncertain futures in MLB consider signing with international leagues, the trend may reshape team rosters and create new opportunities for emerging talent in the majors.

Bottom Line

Devanney's move reflects a growing choice for players looking for better financial opportunities and competition, while the Pirates must adapt and strategize their roster without him.