The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated right-handed pitcher Andre Jackson for assignment. The 27-year-old requested his release so that he could pursue a playing opportunity in Japan, according to Jason Mackey.
The Pirates added Jackson off waivers last year, and he performed well in a swingman role as the team shifted to bullpen games. His first-time through the order numbers were strong, with a 2.60 FIP as a starter, and 4.36 FIP as a reliever, making him a good option to cover a few innings at the beginning or middle of a bullpen game.
Jackson has four pitches which can grade as average or better. Three of those pitches had positive value last year. His best pitch is his changeup, which didn’t have positive value in 2023. The changeup still generated a 17.5% swinging strike rate, and was Jackson’s best pitch at generating chase swings — with a very low 46.7% contact rate on those swings. Despite the success outside of the zone, Jackson threw his changeup inside the strike zone more than any other pitch.
With the intention of playing in Japan, it’s very likely that Jackson clears waivers and is granted his release. This isn’t a bad personal move for Jackson. He can go to Japan for a few years with guaranteed money and playing time, allowing him to develop his stuff at a level that is probably going to be better than Triple-A. The alternative would be competing for a job with the Pirates, in a season where he would likely be sent down a few times to Indianapolis, with a chance that he makes less money if he spends too much time in Triple-A. Jackson can continue his development in Japan, and have a shot at returning to the Majors in his 30s as a more developed pitcher.
