Josh Harrison is a former baseball player who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2011 to 2018. He was a fan favorite and one of the team’s most consistent players during his time with the organization.
However, after the 2018 season, Harrison left the Pirates, which left many fans wondering what led to his departure.
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why Josh Harrison left the Pittsburgh Pirates and the impact his departure had on the team’s success. We will also take a look at his current status as a player and reflect on his legacy with the Pirates.
Josh Harrison’s Career With the Pirates
Josh Harrison was a versatile infielder who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates for eight seasons from 2011 to 2018. He made his major league debut with the Pirates in 2011 and quickly established himself as a valuable utility player, playing second base, third base, and the outfield.
Throughout his career with the Pirates, Harrison was known for his aggressive play, versatility, and clutch hitting. He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his infectious energy and passion for the game.
In 2014, Harrison had a breakout season, batting .315 with 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases, earning him a spot in the All-Star Game and finishing ninth in National League MVP voting.
In addition to his All-Star selection in 2014, Harrison also won a Silver Slugger award that year, becoming the first Pirate to do so at the third base position since Aramis Ramirez in 2001.
Harrison’s versatility and ability to play multiple positions made him a key player for the Pirates, who made the playoffs three times during his tenure with the team.
Harrison’s importance to the team extended beyond his on-field contributions, as he was also known for his leadership and work ethic. He was a mentor to younger players and was respected by his teammates and coaches alike.
His impact on the Pirates’ success cannot be overstated, as he was a key piece of the team’s winning culture during his time in Pittsburgh.
Possible Reasons for Harrison’s Departure
There were several possible reasons why Josh Harrison left the Pittsburgh Pirates after the 2018 season. One reason was that he became a free agent after the season and may have been seeking a new opportunity.
It is common for players to test the free-agent market to see what other teams may be interested in signing them, and it is possible that Harrison was looking for a new challenge or a fresh start.
Another possible reason for Harrison’s departure was that the Pirates did not offer him a contract extension. After the 2018 season, the Pirates were in a rebuilding phase, and they may have decided that Harrison was not a part of their long-term plans.
In such cases, teams often choose not to offer players a contract extension and instead let them test the free-agent market.
Additionally, it is possible that the Pirates were looking to trade Harrison before the 2018 season, as his value was high at the time. However, a trade did not materialize, and he ended up playing the entire season with the Pirates.
It is possible that the Pirates continued to explore the possibility of trading him during the offseason, which could have been a factor in his decision to leave the team.
Regardless of the specific reason, Harrison’s departure was a significant loss for the Pirates, as he was a key contributor both on and off the field.
It is understandable that the Pirates may have had different priorities at the time, but it is clear that Harrison was a valuable player who will be missed by the Pirates and their fans.
The Impact of Harrison’s Departure
The departure of Josh Harrison had a significant impact on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ roster and overall success. Harrison was a versatile player who could play multiple positions, making him a valuable asset to the team.
His aggressive play, leadership, and passion for the game were also critical factors that contributed to the team’s success.
Harrison’s absence affected the team’s performance both on and off the field. On the field, his absence created a hole in the Pirates’ infield, and his versatility was sorely missed.
In addition, Harrison’s clutch hitting and base-running skills were essential to the team’s success in close games. Off the field, his leadership and work ethic were missed by younger players who looked up to him as a mentor.
Since Harrison’s departure, the Pirates have struggled to adequately replace him. They have used several players to fill the void left by Harrison, but none have been able to match his productivity and versatility.
The Pirates have also struggled to find a player who can match Harrison’s leadership and passion for the game.
Overall, the impact of Harrison’s departure on the Pirates’ success cannot be overstated. His contributions on the field and in the clubhouse were critical to the team’s winning culture, and his absence has been felt by both fans and teammates.
While the Pirates have tried to find a replacement for Harrison, they have not been able to replicate his unique skill set and leadership qualities.
Harrison’s Current Status
Josh Harrison is currently a free agent after spending time with several teams since leaving the Pittsburgh Pirates after the 2018 season. After becoming a free agent, Harrison signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers for the 2019 season.
He had a solid season with the Tigers, batting .175 with 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases. After the 2019 season, Harrison became a free agent once again and signed a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies in January 2020.
He made the Phillies’ Opening Day roster for the 2020 season but struggled at the plate, batting just .175 in 60 at-bats. He was released by the Phillies in August 2020 and then signed a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals.
Harrison had a solid 2021 season with the Nationals, batting .294 with six home runs, 37 RBIs, and nine stolen bases in 97 games. He also played all over the infield and outfield, showcasing his versatility once again.
Harrison’s notable accomplishments since leaving the Pirates include winning a World Series championship with the Nationals in 2019 and hitting for the cycle in 2018 while playing for the Tigers.
As a free agent, Harrison is currently available to sign with any team that is interested in his services. Despite being 34 years old, Harrison has shown that he can still contribute both on the field and in the clubhouse, making him an attractive option for teams looking for a versatile utility player.
Josh Harrison’s Career Stats with the Pittsburgh Pirates (2011-2018)
| Year | Games Played | At Bats | Hits | Home Runs | Runs Batted In | Stolen Bases | Batting Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 36 | 104 | 25 | 1 | 10 | 2 | .240 |
| 2012 | 104 | 254 | 70 | 3 | 16 | 7 | .279 |
| 2013 | 60 | 188 | 52 | 6 | 19 | 5 | .277 |
| 2014 | 143 | 520 | 144 | 13 | 52 | 18 | .315 |
| 2015 | 114 | 400 | 116 | 4 | 28 | 10 | .287 |
| 2016 | 131 | 482 | 138 | 4 | 59 | 19 | .283 |
| 2017 | 128 | 482 | 136 | 16 | 47 | 12 | .272 |
| 2018 | 97 | 374 | 90 | 8 | 37 | 5 | .250 |
This table shows Josh Harrison’s career stats with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2011 to 2018. It includes information on the number of games he played, his at-bats, hits, home runs, runs batted in, stolen bases, and batting average for each season.
It is clear from the table that Harrison was a productive player for the Pirates, with his best season coming in 2014 when he hit .315 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs.
Despite his productivity, the Pirates did not offer him a contract extension after the 2018 season, and Harrison became a free agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Josh Harrison request a trade from the Pirates?
There is no evidence to suggest that Harrison requested a trade from the Pirates. It is possible that the Pirates did not offer him a contract extension and decided to trade him to receive value in return.
Why didn’t the Pirates offer Josh Harrison a contract extension?
The reasons for the Pirates not offering Harrison a contract extension are unclear. It is possible that they did not want to commit to a long-term deal with a player who was in his thirties and had a history of injuries.
Did Josh Harrison have any issues with the Pirates organization?
There are no known issues between Harrison and the Pirates organization. Harrison was a respected member of the team and was well-liked by fans and teammates alike.
Did Josh Harrison’s departure affect the Pirates’ attendance?
It is difficult to say for certain whether Harrison’s departure affected the Pirates’ attendance. However, the team’s overall performance in recent years has likely had a greater impact on attendance than any individual player’s departure.
Will Josh Harrison ever return to the Pirates?
It is possible that Harrison could return to the Pirates at some point in the future, but there is no indication that a reunion is imminent. Harrison is currently a free agent and is free to sign with any team that is interested in his services.
To Recap
Josh Harrison’s departure from the Pittsburgh Pirates after the 2018 season had a significant impact on the team’s success. Harrison was a versatile player and a leader on the field and in the clubhouse, and his absence was felt by both fans and teammates.
The Pirates have struggled to adequately replace him, and his unique skill set and leadership qualities have been missed.
Since leaving the Pirates, Harrison has played for several teams and has had some notable accomplishments, including winning a World Series championship and hitting for the cycle. He is currently a free agent and has shown that he can still contribute both on the field and in the clubhouse.
Overall, while Harrison’s departure from the Pirates was a loss for the team and the fans, it is clear that he has continued to have a successful career as a professional baseball player.
As for the Pirates, they will continue to search for a player who can replicate Harrison’s unique skill set and leadership qualities and help lead the team to success in the future.
