The Pirates announced a slate of 13 non-roster invitees to spring training Monday, revealing within that they’ve signed right-hander Burch Smith and outfielder Bryce Johnson to minor league contracts. Smith, 35 in April, split the 2024 season between the Marlins and Orioles, pitching to a combined 4.95 ERA with a below-average 19.1% strikeout rate but a superlative 5% walk … [Read more...] about Pirates Sign Burch Smith, Bryce Johnson To Minor League Deals
Pirates To Sign Dodgers-Committed Int’l Prospect Darell Morel
Dominican shortstop prospect Darell Morel had been set to sign with the Dodgers once the 2025 international signing period opened on January 15, but Baseball America’s Ben Badler reports that Morel will now be signing with the Pirates for a bonus worth close to $1.8MM. This represents roughly twice the amount of money Morel would’ve received from Los Angeles. There isn’t … [Read more...] about Pirates To Sign Dodgers-Committed Int’l Prospect Darell Morel
Pirates Interested In Alex Verdugo
It’s been a pretty quiet offseason for the Pirates, with their most prominent moves to date including the acquisition of first baseman Spencer Horwitz (in exchange for righty Luis Ortiz) and the re-signing of franchise icon Andrew McCutchen on another one-year, $5MM deal. The Bucs were said last month to be exploring the bullpen and corner outfield markets, and that appears to … [Read more...] about Pirates Interested In Alex Verdugo
Pirates Sign Caleb Ferguson
The Pirates added to their pitching staff Friday, announcing a one-year deal with free agent left-hander Caleb Ferguson that will reportedly pay the Excel Sports client $3MM. The Bucs have open roster spots and thus do not need to make a corresponding move. Ferguson, 28, has been a solid southpaw reliever in the big leagues for a few years now. He missed the 2021 season while … [Read more...] about Pirates Sign Caleb Ferguson
17 Players Exchange Filing Figures
This evening’s deadline to exchange filing figures has come and gone. The majority of arbitration-eligible players agreed to contracts to avoid going to a hearing. There were 17 instances where the player and team did not come to terms. Technically, nothing prevents players and teams from continuing to negotiate. However, virtually every team takes a “file-and-trial” approach … [Read more...] about 17 Players Exchange Filing Figures