The Pirates have signed right-hander Yohan Ramírez to a minor league deal, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. He will presumably receive an invitation to major league spring training. Ramírez, 29, returns to the Pirates, one of several teams he has pitched for in his career. The righty has logged 169 innings over the past five seasons with a 4.58 earned run … [Read more...] about Pirates Sign Yohan Ramírez To Minor League Deal
Central Notes: Ecker, White Sox, Lynn, Cardinals, Pirates
Reports surfaced last week that the Rangers had given permission for Donnie Ecker to interview with the White Sox about their managerial opening, but Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News (X link) wrote that Ecker is no longer under consideration for the job. Ecker will instead return for what will presumably be his fourth season as the Rangers’ bench coach and offensive … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Ecker, White Sox, Lynn, Cardinals, Pirates
The David Bednar Question
David Bednar has been the subject of trade speculation for the past few seasons. For the most part, that was a testament to his effectiveness. Bednar broke out as a leverage reliever with 60 2/3 innings of 2.23 ERA ball during his first season with the Pirates in 2021. He carried that into the ninth inning. Between 2022-23, the big righty combined for a 2.27 ERA while striking … [Read more...] about The David Bednar Question
Eight Players Elect Free Agency
As the offseason nears, a number of players elect minor league free agency each week. These players are separate from six-year MLB free agents, who’ll reach the open market five days after the conclusion of the World Series. Eligible minor leaguers can begin electing free agency as soon as the regular season wraps up. These players were all outrighted off a team’s 40-man roster … [Read more...] about Eight Players Elect Free Agency
Mark Melancon Joins San Diego State Coaching Staff
San Diego State announced that longtime reliever Mark Melancon has joined the school’s baseball program as the pitching development coordinator. Melancon hasn’t pitched since the 2022 season, so this new job implies that the 39-year-old has ended his playing career after 14 Major League seasons. “It’s exciting to be part of a staff that has great experience and a clear vision … [Read more...] about Mark Melancon Joins San Diego State Coaching Staff