Sport: Baseball Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Pittsburgh Pirates' Lonnie White Jr. emerges as a future outfield prospect

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 1:00 PM

Last updated Aug 27, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates' Lonnie White Jr. emerges as a future outfield prospect

Summary

Pittsburgh Pirates’ outfield prospect Lonnie White Jr. has shown significant improvement in 2026, batting.281/.388/.543 with 24 home runs and 20 stolen bases over 423 plate appearances. Drafted in 2021, White struggled in earlier seasons but rebounded this year, increasing his contact rate. The Pirates face a decision on whether to add him to the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 draft this offseason. If included, he could fill a fourth-outfielder role, contributing in defense and baserunning.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Lonnie White Jr. is hitting.281 with a.405 wOBA in 2026.
•He has achieved a 20/20 season with 24 home runs and 20 stolen bases.
•White's contact rate improved from 62.1% to 67.8% this year.
•The Pirates must decide on adding him to the 40-man roster soon.
•White could serve a critical role in the team's outfield strategy.

Latest Updates

1:00 PMYahoo Sports — Outfield Prospect Could Play a Role in the Pirates’ 2027 Plans

What they're saying

"
Some prospects take longer to develop than others. Take Pittsburgh Pirates’ outfield prospect Lonnie White Jr., for example. The Bucs drafted him in Competitive Balance Round B in 2021. After struggling at High-A in 2024 and 2025, White Jr. got back on track in 2026. Now, he looks like he could play a noteworthy role …
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball