Canaan Smith-Njigba

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Canaan Smith-Njigba

|image = Canaan Smith-Njigba (52116118696).jpg

|caption = Smith-Njigba with the Indianapolis Indians in 2022

|width =

|team = Free agent

|number =

|position = Outfielder

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1999|4|30}}

|birth_place = Dallas, Texas, U.S.

|bats = Left

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = June 14

|debutyear = 2022

|debutteam = Pittsburgh Pirates

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = 2023 season

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .135

|stat2label = Home runs

|stat2value = 0

|stat3label = Runs batted in

|stat3value = 5

|teams =

Pittsburgh Pirates ({{mlby|2022}}–{{mlby|2023}})

}}

Canaan Elijah Smith-Njigba (born April 30, 1999) is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Amateur career

Smith-Njigba attended Rockwall-Heath High School in Heath, Texas, where he played baseball.{{Cite web |last=Baugh |first=Tim |date=October 26, 2016 |title=Canaan Smith, Sr, C/1B/OF, Rockwall Heath |url=https://txhighschoolbaseball.com/featured_news/canaan-smith-sr-c1bof-rockwall-heath/ |access-date=February 2, 2021 |website=Texas High School Baseball}} He committed to play college baseball at the University of Arkansas.{{Cite web |title=Canaan Smith Class of 2017 |url=https://www.perfectgame.org/Players/PlayerProfile.aspx?ID=369812 |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=Perfect Game USA}} During his senior year, he garnered attention after he was intentionally walked 32 times in 24 games, or a rate of 1.33 per game.{{Cite web |last=Florek |first=Michael |date=April 4, 2017 |title=Baseball thoughts: This week's mammoth matchups, and the area player who's walking at a higher rate than Barry Bonds |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/2017/04/04/baseball-thoughts-this-week-s-mammoth-matchups-and-the-area-player-who-s-walking-at-a-higher-rate-than-barry-bonds/ |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=The Dallas Morning News}} After his senior season, he was selected by the New York Yankees in the fourth round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft.

Professional career

=New York Yankees=

After signing with the Yankees, Smith-Njigba made his professional debut with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Yankees, where he hit .289/.430/.422 with five home runs and 28 RBIs over 57 games. In 2018, he played with the Staten Island Yankees of the Low–A New York–Penn League where he hit .191 with three home runs and 16 RBIs over 45 games, missing time due to injury. In 2019, he played for the Charleston RiverDogs of the Single–A South Atlantic League, with whom he earned All-Star honors.{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2019 |title=Seven RiverDogs selected to South Atlantic League All-Star Game |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/moultrie-news/sports/seven-riverdogs-selected-to-south-atlantic-league-all-star-game/article_65d75e51-1128-56b7-9ed4-fc4679cf0414.html |access-date=February 2, 2021 |website=Post and Courier}} Over 124 games, he batted .307/.405/.465 with 11 home runs, 74 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases.{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Daniel |date=April 17, 2020 |title=New York Yankees Prospects: Canaan Smith |url=https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-york-yankees/new-york-yankees-prospects-canaan-smith/ |access-date=February 2, 2021 |website=Empire Sports Media}} He did not play in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=David |date=June 30, 2020 |title=2020 Minor League Baseball season canceled |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2020-minor-league-baseball-season-canceled |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=MLB.com}}

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

On January 24, 2021, the Yankees traded Smith-Njigba (alongside Miguel Yajure, Roansy Contreras and Maikol Escotto) to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Jameson Taillon.{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2021 |title=Yankees land RHP Taillon in trade with Pirates |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30771229/sources-new-york-yankees-acquire-pitcher-jameson-taillon-pittsburgh-pirates-four-prospects |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} He was assigned to the Altoona Curve of the Double-A Northeast for a majority of the 2021 season.{{Cite web |date=May 3, 2021 |title=Curve roster for 2021 season loaded with top Pirates prospects |url=https://www.tribdem.com/sports/curve-roster-for-2021-season-loaded-with-top-pirates-prospects/article_f3aa6fd0-abd8-11eb-9b85-271091e53fc9.html |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=The Tribune-Democrat}} He was placed on the injured list briefly at the end of July, but activated in early August.{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2021 |title=Pirates' Canaan Smith-Njigba: Back from IL |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/pirates-canaan-smith-njigba-back-from-il/ |access-date=December 13, 2021 |website=CBSSports.com}} He was placed back on the injured list in mid-August with a thigh injury, but was activated one month later.{{Cite web |date=August 11, 2021 |title=Pirates' Canaan Smith-Njigba: Out with thigh injury |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/pirates-canaan-smith-njigba-out-with-thigh-injury/ |access-date=December 13, 2021 |website=CBSSports.com}} Over 66 games, he hit .274/.398/.406 with six home runs, 40 RBI, and 13 stolen bases.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Tim |date=September 13, 2021 |title=Canaan Smith-Njigba Sets His Offseason Plan |url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/canaan-smith-njigba-sets-his-offseason-plan/ |access-date=December 13, 2021 |website=Baseball America}} Following the end of Altoona's season in mid-September, he was promoted to the Indianapolis Indians of the Triple-A East with whom he appeared in seven games.{{Cite web |last=Mackey |first=Jason |date=September 19, 2021 |title=Sources: Pirates making several promotions to Class AAA Indianapolis |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2021/09/19/pittsburgh-pirates-indianapolis-promotion-oneil-cruz-roansy-contreras-mason-martin-de-los-santos-mitchell-smith-njigba/stories/202109190214 |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}} He was selected to play in the Arizona Fall League for the Peoria Javelinas after the season.{{Cite web |last1=Callis |first1=Jim |last2=Mayo |first2=Jonathan |last3=Dykstra |first3=Sam |date=October 6, 2021 |title=Arizona Fall League rosters 2021 prospect loaded |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/arizona-fall-league-rosters-2021-prospect-loaded?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=MLB.com}} On November 19, 2021, the Pirates selected his contract and added him to their 40-man roster, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft.{{Cite web |last=Mackey |first=Jason |date=November 19, 2021 |title=Pirates add four to 40-man roster, designate Michael Perez for assignment |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2021/11/19/Pirates-add-four-to-40-man-roster-designate-Michael-Perez-for-assignment/stories/202111190145 |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}} He returned to the Indians to begin the 2022 season.{{Cite web |last=Kayser |first=Anna |date=April 5, 2022 |title=Pirates No. 1 Prospect, Oneil Cruz, Headlines Indy's Opening Day Roster |url=https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/news/pirates-no-1-prospect-oneil-cruz-headlines-indy-s-opening-day-roster |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=MiLB.com}}

On June 13, 2022, the Pirates promoted Smith-Njigba to the major leagues.{{Cite web |last=Mackey |first=Jason |date=June 13, 2022 |title=Patient approach produces long-awaited MLB shot for Pirates prospect Canaan Smith-Njigba |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2022/06/13/pittsburgh-pirates-canaan-smith-njigba-and-hoy-park/stories/202206130049 |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}} He registered his first major league hit the next night while pinch-hitting and recorded a double off of St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Giovanny Gallegos.{{Cite web |last=Gates |first=Riley |date=June 14, 2022 |title=Canaan Smith-Njigba, brother of Ohio State star WR, records first MLB hit for Pittsburgh Pirates |url=https://247sports.com/article/canaan-smith-njigba-brother-of-ohio-state-star-wr-records-first-mlb-hit-for-pittsburgh-pirates-188774126/amp/ |access-date=June 15, 2022 |website=247sports.com}} He played in three games, going 1–for–5. On June 17, he was placed on the 60-day injured list with a wrist fracture.{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Kevin |date=June 17, 2022 |title=Pirates place OF Canaan Smith-Njigba on 60-day IL, call up LHP Cam Vieaux |url=https://triblive.com/sports/pirates-place-of-canaan-smith-njigba-on-60-day-il-select-lhp-cam-vieaux/ |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=TribLIVE.com}}

In 2023, Smith-Njigba played in 15 games for Pittsburgh, going 4–for–32 (.125) with no home runs, five RBI, and one stolen base.{{Cite web|title=Canaan Smith-Njigba – Stats – Batting|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/players/canaan-smith-njigba/23264/stats?position=OF|access-date=March 5, 2024|website=fangraphs.com|language=en}} He was designated for assignment by the Pirates on January 31, 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/01/pirates-designate-canaan-smith-njigba-for-assignment.html|title=Pirates Designate Canaan Smith-Njigba For Assignment|date=January 31, 2024|website=MLB Trade Rumors}}

On February 7, 2024, Smith-Njigba was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners.{{cite news |title=Former Pirates OF Canaan Smith-Njigba claimed by Mariners |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39478811/former-pirates-canaan-smith-njigba-claimed-mariners |access-date=February 8, 2024 |date=February 7, 2024}} Ten days later, on February 17, he was designated for assignment.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/mariners-claim-levi-stoudt-designate-canaan-smith-njigba.html|title=Mariners Claim Levi Stoudt, Designate Canaan Smith-Njigba|date=February 17, 2024|website=MLB Trade Rumors}} On February 19, he returned to the Pirates on another waiver claim.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/pirates-claim-canaan-smith-njigba-from-mariners.html|title=Pirates Claim Canaan Smith-Njigba From Mariners|date=February 19, 2024|website=MLB Trade Rumors}} Smith-Njigba was optioned to Triple–A Indianapolis to begin the 2024 season.{{Cite web|title=Pirates' Canaan Smith-Njigba: Optioned to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/pirates-canaan-smith-njigba-optioned-to-triple-a/amp/|date=March 16, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} However, he was designated for assignment following multiple roster moves on March 28.{{Cite web|title=Pirates Designate Canaan Smith-Njigba, Jackson Wolf, Ali Sánchez For Assignment|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/pirates-designate-canaan-smith-njigba-jackson-wolf-ali-sanchez-for-assignment.html|access-date=March 28, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 28, 2024 |language=en}} Smith-Njigba cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple–A Indianapolis on March 31.{{Cite web|title=Pirates Outright Canaan Smith-Njigba; Ali Sanchez Elects Free Agency|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/pirates-outright-canaan-smith-njigba-ali-sanchez.html|access-date=March 31, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 31, 2024 |language=en}} He made 54 appearances for Indianapolis, hitting .212/.344/.330 with two home runs, 18 RBI, and six stolen bases. Smith-Njigba was released by the Pirates organization on July 6.{{cite web | title=Canaan Smith-Njigba: Heads to free agency | website=CBSSports.com | date=2024-07-08 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/canaan-smith-njigba-heads-to-free-agency/amp/ | access-date=2024-10-01}}

=Chicago White Sox=

On August 7, 2024, Smith-Njigba signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox organization.{{cite web | title=Transactions | website=MLB.com | date=2024-08-07 | url=https://www.mlb.com/transactions/2024/08/07 | access-date=2025-02-15}} He hit .182 with one home run, six RBI, and one stolen base in 16 appearances for the Double-A Birmingham Barons; he was later promoted to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights, for whom he hit .261 with two RBI and three stolen bases across eight games. Smith-Njigba elected free agency following the season on November 4.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2024/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2024|work=Baseball America|date=November 6, 2024|accessdate=November 6, 2024|first=Matt|last=Eddy}}

Personal life

Smith-Njigba is the older brother of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.{{Cite web |last=Mackey |first=Jason |date=January 27, 2021 |title=Pirates prospect Canaan Smith-Njigba full of patience, potential |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2021/01/27/Pirates-Canaan-Smith-Njigba-prospect-Jameson-Taillin-trade-patient-Connect-Four/stories/202101270145 |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=Pittsburgh Post{{endash}}Gazette}}

Smith-Njigba's paternal grandparents are from Sierra Leone.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Zack |date=April 25, 2020 |title=Ohio State's Impactful Nigerian Connections, Relationship with Greg Mattison and Eye-Opening June Visit Were Driving Forces in Tunmise Adeleye's Recruitment |url=https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football-recruiting/2020/04/113598/ohio-state-s-impactful-nigerian-connections-relationship-with-greg-mattison-and-eye-opening-june-visit |access-date=May 28, 2022 |website=Eleven Warriors}}