After years spent as one of the MLB’s “phantom players,” Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Drew Maggi will finally get his shot to play in The Show.
After the Pirates placed outfielder Bryan Reynolds on the bereavement list on Sunday, Pittsburgh selected Maggi’s contract for the team’s 40-man roster.
Maggi’s promotion from Double-A Altoona was the culmination of 13 years in professional baseball without ever actually being called up to the majors.
“Phantom players” hold that difficult distinction, being hypothetical MLB players who have appeared on a professional roster without actually playing in an MLB game.
Maggi was selected in the 15th round by the Pirates in 2010 and has bounced around the league in the minors with various franchises ever since. Now, he’ll get to suit up for the team that drafted him all those years ago.
After playing in 1,154 minor league games in 13 seasons, it’s finally Maggi’s time to shine. His reaction to being called up was just priceless.
Some NSFW language to follow.
It’s been a hell of a journey for Drew Maggi. pic.twitter.com/KPjXxLSj1B
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 23, 2023
Drew Maggi was a 15th-round pick in 2010. He’s played 1,154 games in the Minor Leagues across 13 seasons. Zero have been in the Majors … until now.
At 33 years old, Drew Maggi is headed to The Show. https://t.co/AQFZlh9AOQ
— Sam Dykstra (@SamDykstraMiLB) April 23, 2023
Maggi will help the Pirates for their Sunday afternoon tilt against the Cincinnati Reds.
While the game might just be a weekend matinee for some, it’s the sweet, sweet payoff for years of patience and grinding it out for Maggi.
