The Pirates added to their minor league depth options Saturday by re-signing Jake Elmore to a minor league contract.
The 32-year-old utilityman will also get an invitation to spring training, a source tells DKPittsburghSports.com.
Elmore split time between the Pirates and their Triple-A affiliate Indianapolis last season. He went 1-for-20 in his first stint with the Pirates in May and was designated for assignment on May 26. No team made a claim on him and he was returned to Indianapolis.
He made a better impression during his September call-up, going 9-for-27 with 4 RBIs. He started in the outfield for the Pirates' final five games of the season as the team's injuries piled up at the end of the year.
In Triple-A, Elmore was one of Indianapolis' best hitters. He slashed .322/.387/.455 with six home runs and 35 RBIs over 414 plate appearances for the Indians. His .842 OPS was second best on the team, trailing only Pablo Reyes (.885).
Elmore has played parts of six big league seasons. He is a career .215/.292/.272 hitter with four home runs and 37 RBIs.
He was outrighted off the 40-man roster on Oct. 25 and elected free agency on Oct. 31.
Elmore is the fifth player the Pirates have signed to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training this week. The team announced the signing of outfielder Socrates Brito, left-hander Miguel Del Pozo, infielder Phillip Evans and right-hander Hector Noesi on Dec. 17.
Brito and Evans will be direct competition for Elmore for the new 26th spot on the roster this spring.
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