Seattle has welcomed another member of the Smith-Njigba family into its sports fold as the Mariners secured outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba off waivers on Wednesday.
Canaan, the younger sibling of Seattle Seahawks’ wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, had previously been a part of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ organization. He saw some action with the Pirates last season, making appearances in a couple of games in addition to 15 minor league games.
The 24-year-old Canaan, originally picked by the New York Yankees in the fourth round of the 2017 draft, opted for college baseball at the University of Arkansas before venturing into professional baseball. His journey led him to the Pirates, where he debuted in the majors in 2022 and played a total of 18 games over two seasons.
The Seattle Mariners made room for Canaan by waiving right-handed pitcher Darren McCaughan, thus facilitating his inclusion in the 40-man roster. This move came as part of the Mariners’ efforts to bolster their team’s depth.
Mariners’ supporters are well-acquainted with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the promising wide receiver who was a first-round pick in 2023 and exhibited glimpses of brilliance in his rookie NFL season.
Canaan’s recent acquisition adds a familial connection to Seattle sports, further intertwining the narratives of the city’s baseball and football scenes. Jaxon, who had a notable 2023 season with the Seahawks, receiving 63 passes for 628 yards and securing four touchdowns, shared insights into the influence his older brother has had on him. He expressed gratitude for the support and guidance Canaan provided throughout their athletic journeys.
On the field, Canaan’s performance with the Pirates has been modest, yet his potential remains intriguing. With a .135 batting average over 18 games, he has shown glimpses of his capabilities, particularly during his tenure at Triple-A Indianapolis in 2023, where he demonstrated commendable statistics, including a .280 batting average, 15 home runs, and 21 stolen bases among others.
As the Mariners gear up for spring training, slated to commence on February 14th, fans anticipate witnessing Canaan in action. His presence adds depth to the outfield, offering the Mariners’ coaching staff additional options and flexibility as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In a reciprocal maneuver, the Mariners designated Darren McCaughan for assignment to accommodate Canaan’s inclusion. McCaughan, who had seen some action with the Mariners in 2023, will now seek opportunities elsewhere as the team continues its roster adjustments.
With the commencement of spring training looming, excitement brews among Mariners’ faithful, eager to see how Canaan’s addition will impact the team dynamics. The upcoming Cactus League play, streaming live on the Seattle Sports app starting February 25th, promises glimpses into the Mariners’ preparations and offers a preview of what lies ahead in the upcoming MLB season.
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