In the first Pirates spring training game this season broadcast on tv, potential second baseman Liover Peguero came ready to play.
The 23-year old broke onto the major league scene last year, when he got into 59 games for the Pirates after earning a call-up.
His rise to the Pirates was surprising and rather rapid. He began the season in Double-A with the Altoona Curve, where he played in 69 games, slashing .260/.333/.453 with Altoona.
He was promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis, but played a mere 7 games there before he got a call-up to the major leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
At the major league level, Peguero slashed .237/.280/.374, with 26 RBI and 7 home runs to add to it.
But more than that, Peguero got recognition for his defensive work, both at second base and at shortstop. He made several highlight worthy plays with his glove, which helped propel his name into the Pirates lineup more and more.
That theme kept up in 2024, with this beautiful play:
This was Peguero’s first start in spring training this season, and I think it’s safe to say he’s off to a good start.
With Oneil Cruz back from injury, the starting shortstop position is already locked up. That leaves second base as the only opening for Peguero.
But the spot does not come without competition. Potential contenders include Nick Gonzales and Ji Hwan Bae, as well as utility man Jared Triolo, who is looking for a spot with Ke’Bryan Hayes occupying the third base job.
Bae played the opening spring training game at second base, and Gonzales played in the second game as the team’s designated hitter, where he hit a nifty double in that role.
It will be a very interesting position to watch for the Pirates as spring training progresses.
(Featured photo by Gene J. Puskar/AP)
Fifth Avenue Sports 
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