{"id":299922,"date":"2026-10-05T04:42:35","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T04:42:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/299922\/"},"modified":"2026-10-05T04:42:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T04:42:35","slug":"pirates-jake-mangum-makes-big-life-announcement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/299922\/","title":{"rendered":"Pirates’ Jake Mangum Makes Big Life Announcement"},"content":{"rendered":"

PITTSBURGH \u2014 Most players don’t make big decisions when the offseason turns around, but Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum chose to go with what he wanted most.<\/p>\n

Mangum proposed to his girlfriend, Baylor Bounds, who said yes and posted the engagement on her Instagram on Oct. 3. <\/p>\n

The Instagram post shows Mangum proposing in a grassy field with a giant white cross in the background.<\/p>\n

“A story only God could write, Bounds wrote in her caption. “Forever with my best friend!\u201cWe love because He first loved us.\u201d1 John 4:19<\/p>\n

Looking Back at Jake Mangum’s 2026 Season with Pirates<\/p>\n

The Pirates added Mangum in a three-team trade<\/a> back on Dec. 19, 2025, joining from the Tampa Bay Rays with left-handed relief pitcher Mason Montgomery<\/a> and second baseman Brandon Lowe<\/a>, while right-handed starting pitcher Mike Burrows went to the Houston Astros.<\/p>\n

Mangum had a solid season for the Pirates, batting .276\/.331\/.363 for an OPS of .694 in 133 games, with 120 hits, 19 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 33 RBI, 23 stolen bases on 32 attempts.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Aug 9, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Jake Mangum (28) hits a solo home run against the New York Mets during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

He gave the Pirates a versatile outfield option, able to play all three spots and give them depth when needed.<\/p>\n

This became crucial when Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz<\/a> fractured his left hand and missed two months, June 10 to Aug. 17, starting 54 of the 62 games that Cruz missed during that time.<\/p>\n

Mangum also hit well as the starting center fielder, batting .301\/.353\/.410 for an OPS of .764, with 69 hits, 12 doubles, two triples, three home runs, 19 RBI and 11 stolen bases.<\/p>\n

What the Pirates Need From Mangum in 2027<\/p>\n

Mangum is still a pre-arbitration player and the Pirates will certainly have him on their Opening Day roster.<\/p>\n

The Pirates outfield is set, with Bryan Reynolds in left field, Cruz in center field and rookie Esmerlyn Valdez manning right field.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

May 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Bryan Reynolds (10) circles the bases on a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Mangum did a great job of filling in when needed, especially in left field, when Reynolds would serve as designated hitter.<\/p>\n

That allowed Reynolds to play all 162 games in 2026<\/a>, the first Pirate to do so since Jason Bay in 2005, and also gave Mangum playing opportunities throughout and after Cruz returned from his injury.<\/p>\n

Mangum turns 31 ahead of next season, but has been healthy the past two seasons, aside from a groin strain that kept him out for a month as a rookie in 2025.<\/p>\n

If Mangum can keep getting on base, playing all three outfield spots, and cause some havoc on the base paths, then he’ll be a strong option off the bench for the Pirates next season.<\/p>\n

Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates!<\/a><\/p>\n

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