The Pirates assigned Newman to minor league camp Monday, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "We are excited about where he is," GM Neal Huntington said. "And we are looking forward to his continued growth and development offensively and defensively. We gave him some things to work on."
Newman, who hit .389 in 17 spring at-bats, will likely start 2017 with Triple-A Indianapolis. Pittsburgh's No. 1 pick in 2015, the infielder could make his major league debut this summer. He's shown an ability to hit for average (.295/.362/.396) in the minors and projects as Jordy Mercer's heir apparent at shortstop. Mercer may leave Pittsburgh when he becomes a free agent after 2018, but Newman could also slide over to second base if the veteran stays in place.