When it comes to chances, Akil Baddoo has seen both sides.

Despite having never played above High-A back in 2021, Baddoo got a surprise shot and made the most of it, homering on his first swing for the Detroit Tigers and enjoying a strong rookie year.

This past season, however, Baddoo played well enough to earn a big league promotion, producing an .818 OPS in the Minors, but instead wound up on waivers when the Brewers encountered a roster crunch.

The newest Pirate also isn't looking to make sense of any of that.

Baddoo simply wants make a positive impression on his new club after the Pirates claimed Baddoo Monday, adding a toolsy player who seemingly took a few important steps forward in 2026.

“It was a lot of chaos in a matter of a couple days, but I’m looking forward to it,” Baddoo said over Zoom Thursday afternoon. “A new opportunity, a great organization, a lot of character here with the Pirates, that championship pedigree and everything. I'm excited."

Baddoo, a left-handed-hitting outfielder, enjoyed a strong 2026 after a left quad injury landed him on the 60-day injured list March 24 and limited him to 66 games.

Playing for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, Baddoo hit .252 and compiled 11 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, 47 RBIs, 35 walks, 64 strikeouts and 41 runs scored.

The quad “feels amazing,” Baddoo said, crediting Milwaukee’s strength and conditioning staff for helping him come back stronger and faster. That’s important for someone who prides himself on his athletic ability and being versatile enough to play all three outfield spots.

That doesn’t mean Baddoo will immediately shift into a regular role. Probably not, honestly.

With at least Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Esmerlyn Valdez and Jake Mangum ahead of him on the depth chart, the 28-year-old Baddoo knows he needs to separate himself.

Then again, Baddoo played 124 games and was worth 2.1 wins above replacement (Baseball Reference) during that 2021 season and was equally as impactful for Triple-A Nashville this past season, if not more so.

It’s been a journey for Baddoo, who said he started his MLB career succeeding but not really knowing why. He's evolved into a mature, self-aware player who spends a lot of time journaling his thoughts and observations.

“I was doing those things, and I don’t really know how I was doing them,” Baddoo said of his unconventional debut after he was selected in the 2020 Rule 5 draft. “Now, I feel like I’m at this age where I feel like I’ve learned a lot. I’ve applied that to my every day.

“[Journaling] has helped me a lot in my journey of being a big leaguer, the ups and downs, staying even-keeled, sticking with that plan and staying mentally strong."

Baddoo has some familiarity with current and former Pirates. He grew close with assistant pitching coach Cibney Bello during their time with the Twins. Baddoo also knows Joshua Palacios and Bligh Madris and texted all three after learning the news.

The reviews were positive, increasing Baddoo’s excitement for building on his 2026 season and hopefully earning a larger role in Pittsburgh.

“I can bring my athletic ability, energy and just be myself,” Baddoo said. “I want to learn as much as I can from the Pirates. My main goal is to win and be in a winning organization. They have a really good core of guys. I’m looking forward to this opportunity and being a sponge, playing my game and taking it day-by-day.”

It’s an odd twist of fate. The Pirates held the first pick in the 2020 Rule 5 draft and took Jose Soriano. Two slots later, the Tigers poached Baddoo from the Twins.

This could have just as easily happened back then — Baddoo probably would’ve had more opportunity in Pittsburgh — but once again, that’s kind of irrelevant now.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Baddoo said. “My time to be here is right now. I’m just looking forward to that. It’s crazy to think about [the 2020 Rule 5 draft], but this where I’m supposed to be right now. I’m excited for it.”

Jason Mackey: [email protected] and @JMackey_PGH on X.