Another member of the Smith-Njigba family will play for Seattle after the Mariners claimed outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba off waivers on Wednesday.
The younger brother of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba previously played in the Pittsburgh organization, appearing in two games and 15 games for the Pirates last season.
Brotherly love: The Seattle Mariners claimed outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba off waivers today from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Both Smith-Njigba brothers are now in Seattle, with Jaxon playing football for the Seahawks and Canaan playing baseball for the Mariners. pic.twitter.com/rRVZDBDH0G
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 7, 2024
He made his major league debut with the Pirates in 2022 and appeared in three games this season. The Mariners waived right-handed pitcher Darren McCaughan, opening up a 40-man spot for Smith-Njigba.
Emerald City fans are already familiar with Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a 2023 first-round pick who showed flashes during his rookie season.
Canaan Smith-Njigba, 24, was a fourth-round pick by the New York Yankees in 2017 before playing college baseball at the University of Arkansas.
He has been with the Pirates organization ever since, making his major league debut in June 2022 and appearing in 18 games for the team over the past two seasons.
Maybe it’s the dayquil talking but it’s so precious to me that Julio has gotten tight with JSN’s family and I really love this for them 🥹 pic.twitter.com/H1OtK60oq5
— britt (@brittanyanne08_) February 7, 2024
Rodriguez had already met JSN while watching the Seahawks’ New Year’s Eve home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the receiver took time to meet with the MLB star’s entire family.
The Mariners have placed him on waivers from the Pirates twice in the past 48 hours to add depth to their 40-man roster.
Seattle designated right-handed pitcher Darren McCaughan to make room for him on the 40-man roster.
Canaan Smith-Njigba, 24, appeared in 15 games for the Pirates in 2023, going 4-for-32 with a double, triple and five RBIs in his brief MLB season.
He posted a .280 / .366 / .473 slash line with 28 doubles, one triple, 15 homers, 74 RBIs, 21 stolen bases, 53 walks and 118 strikeouts.
If the name of the Mariners’ newest addition sounds familiar, that’s because he’s the older brother of Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught 63 passes for 628 yards last season, including four touchdowns.
When asked about his brother’s advice and influence, Jaxon Smith-Njiba said before his first NFL game:
“He’s been in the professional field, what he’s doing. I just appreciate him because he always let me ride with him. When we were growing up and being able to play against older kids, he’s always instilled confidence in me. This weekend he just told me, ‘Be confident, be where your feet are, be present, and just go ball out.’ He’s my No. 1 supporter. I love having him as a brother and a friend.”
The Seattle Mariners have added outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba to their 40-man roster, claiming him from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Canaan, the older brother of Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, played 18 games for the Pirates with a batting average of .135 in the past two seasons.
Canaan performed well in Triple-A Indianapolis during the 2023 season, and fans can expect to see him in action during spring training starting on February 14th.
Canaan Smith-Njigba is 24 years old, older than his brother Jaxon, the Seahawks’ first-round pick in 2023 who had a breakout season, catching 63 passes for 628 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games.
Canaan was selected by the New York Yankees with the first pick in the 2017 MLB Draft and played 18 games for the Pirates over the past two seasons.
In that game, he hit .135 with two doubles, a triple, three runs scored, five RBIs and one stolen base.
Canaan spent most of 2023 at Triple-A Indianapolis, where he excelled. He had a slash line of .280 / .366 / .473 with 15 home runs, 28 doubles, 1 triple, 57 runs scored, 74 RBI and 21 stolen bases.
In an interview last year, Jaxon talked about his older brother being a professional athlete.
To make room for Canaan Smith-Njigba on the Mariners’ 40-man roster, right-hander Darren McCaughan was designated for assignment.
McCaughan appeared in three games for the Mariners in 2023 and started 25 games for Triple-A Tacoma.
Mariners’ fans can expect to see Canaan in action during spring training, which begins on February 14th.
Cactus League play begins Feb. 25 and will be streamed live on the Seattle Sports app.
Fans reacted as follows:
he looks like jsn
— Akash (@YZR_Fantasy) February 7, 2024
wasnt he a high prospect at one point?
— Chaos Chris (@ChaosChrisPHL) February 7, 2024
Seattle finally got a good player named Smith-Njigba ..
— Chasmish (@chashmishyar) February 7, 2024
Good to see both of em playing together❤️
— Mickayla Ross (@Mickayllaro) February 7, 2024
Smith-Njigba family moving to Seattle permanently 😈
— Hill 🔥 (@hillfromseattle) February 7, 2024
I think the world would be a lot better if we all lived with the joy and love that Julio does.
— Alex Mueller (@AlexMueller23) February 7, 2024
😭😭😭 it’s so true god he’s the best
— britt (@brittanyanne08_) February 7, 2024
We really are so lucky aren’t we?
— Alex Mueller (@AlexMueller23) February 7, 2024
Forgot about this part
— Mariner Muse (@MarinerMuse) February 7, 2024
