Jake Mangum Excited to Join Pirates, Aiming for October Baseball

This article dives into the arrival of Jake Mangum in Pittsburgh. It’s about what the Pirates are getting in one of baseball’s most intriguing late-blooming rookies.

The Pirates got Mangum in a three-team trade with Tampa Bay. He brings production, personality, and a sense of urgency to a franchise desperate for meaningful October baseball—something they’ve missed for years.

Who Is Jake Mangum and Why the Pirates Wanted Him

After nearly a decade grinding through pro baseball, Mangum finally broke through in 2025 with the Tampa Bay Rays. At 29, people might call him an “old rookie,” but honestly, his stats tell a different story—one about consistency, discipline, and real impact.

A Contact Bat in a Strikeout Era

Mangum hit .296 in 118 games for Tampa Bay. The year before, he led Durham in Triple-A with a .317 average.

Baseball now is all about strikeouts and launch angles, but Mangum leans into being a throwback hitter. During his first Zoom call, he talked about just putting the ball in play, controlling the strike zone, and letting his speed do the work.

That approach got results. Mangum stole 27 bases and tied for the MLB lead with 32 infield hits, turning routine grounders into rallies.

Speed, Defense and Relentless Energy

Mangum’s value goes way beyond batting average. He’s the kind of guy who can change the tone of a lineup, always pressuring defenses and creating extra chances.

A Natural Fit in Left Field

The Pirates see Mangum as their everyday left fielder. He’ll join an outfield with Oneil Cruz in center and Bryan Reynolds in right.

His speed lets him cover a ton of ground, and advanced metrics already rate him well in outs above average. Some people have compared him to Corey Dickerson, another Ray who came to Pittsburgh and thrived after Andrew McCutchen.

Now on Tampa Bay’s staff, Dickerson has encouraged Mangum to chase that same defensive standard.

Embracing Pittsburgh Culture

Mangum didn’t waste time endearing himself to Pirates fans. He embraced the city with genuine enthusiasm, skipping the usual canned soundbites.

From “Yinz” to Black and Gold

At his introduction, Mangum joked about learning Pittsburgh staples—like saying “yinz” and trying the city’s iconic French-fry sandwich. He also loved that all the city’s teams wear black and gold, calling it a sign of unity.

That appreciation felt real—a player eager not just to play in Pittsburgh, but to belong here.

A Football Family, a Baseball Heart

Mangum comes from a football-heavy background. But he picked baseball in high school, and that toughness shows up every day in the way he plays.

Running Everything Out

He takes pride in running every ball out and diving for catches. Mangum brings high energy to the field, and that effort just fits in a hard-nosed baseball town.

It sets a tone in the clubhouse, too.

Motivation, Mentorship and Urgency

Mangum made it clear he believes in the Pirates’ direction under Travis Williams, Ben Cherington, and manager Don Kelly. He sees a team on the rise and wants to be part of that climb.

Eyes on October—and Beyond

He spoke warmly about his close relationship with top prospect Konnor Griffin. They’re hometown friends and train together a lot.

Mangum hopes Griffin reaches the majors by Opening Day. He keeps picturing a future where they share the same clubhouse—honestly, who wouldn’t want that?

Mangum knows the clock’s ticking. He called himself an “old rookie” and made it clear he wants a shot at postseason baseball.

For Pirates fans, that urgency—plus his speed, defense, contact hitting, and charisma—makes Jake Mangum pretty easy to root for.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Trade pickup Jake Mangum pumped to join Pirates — and hopefully ‘experience October baseball’