Connor Joe becoming significant factor in Pirates lineup

Connor Joe’s MLB journey has come full circle. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates at No. 39 overall in 2014, Joe bounced around the baseball circuit after being traded to Atlanta three years later for Sean Rodriguez. After returning in a trade with Colorado during the offseason, Joe’s become a lightning rod offensively for the first-place Pirates.

Through 69 at-bats during his age 30 season, Joe is hitting .304/.390/.580 with three home runs, 10 RBI, and a .972 OPS. He also recorded six doubles and two triples in 21 games. Initially considered a potential utility player capable of filling roles when necessary, Joe has cemented himself as a consistent hitter deserving of being an everyday…