Boosted by winter workouts and newfound power, Nick Yorke is battling for a permanent spot on the Pittsburgh Pirates roster.
Nick Yorke invoked perhaps the greatest spring training cliché of them all.
“I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life,” the Pittsburgh Pirates utility player said after a recent workout in Bradenton, Fla.
In Yorke’s case, though, it really isn’t a cliché. He spent extra time in the weight room during the winter and looks buff. Yorke knew he had to try something different after hitting just seven home runs in 103 games with Triple-A Indianapolis last season and one in 22 games with the Pirates.
“I felt like my numbers, power-wise, last year took a little bit of a dip,” Yorke said. “So obviously I worked on that this offseason, just working on my swing and path to help create natural ball flight a little bit better. And then, with the muscle that I put on, it just helps with exit velo without trying to swing too hard or do too much in the box. So, I've been feeling really good.”
The winter work showed earlier this week when Yorke went 3 for 3 against his former team, the Boston Red Sox, in a Grapefruit League game. Each of the hits had an exit velocity over 100 mph.
That performance made an impression on manager Don Kelly and the Pittsburgh coaching staff. Yorke is trying to make the opening-day roster for the first time in his career and gain some footing in the major leagues.
The 23-year-old has played 33 games with the Pirates over the last two seasons. The Pirates acquired him at the trade deadline in 2024.
“As much as (the main goal) is us trying to win a World Series, my goal is to try to win a job this year and stick,” Yorke said. “I've had a taste the past couple of years, and no one wants to get some back to Triple-A, so I'm going do everything I can to stick.”
During his nascent big-league career, Yorke has made 21 appearances at second base, six each at first base and right field, two at third base, and one in left field. That is the profile of a utility player, something most 23-year-olds would shy away from. Yorke embraces it, though.
“I think I'm a ballplayer,” Yorke said. “So, whatever that number says in the lineup, I'm good to go. I probably feel the most comfortable at second, having played there the most. But, I mean, I'm a guy who's willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win the game. So, if they need me in right, left, third, whatever, I'm down for it."
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