Hard to believe the Pirates beat the Dodgers on a bid for a player.
The Pittsburgh Pirates were busy during the international signing period, adding 23 prospects, one of which is a top-25 prospect in this year’s class.
The biggest addition came via 16-year old shortstop, Johan De Los Santos, from the Dominican Republic. Johan is the younger brother of fellow Pirates’ prospect, Yordany De Los Santos. Younger brother Johan was one of the most highly touted prospects in this international class, performing exceptionally almost exclusively at short. A capable hitter with room to grow for more of a power threat, De Los Santos has an above average arm, and should fit in well amongst the other shortstop prospects in Pittsburgh’s system.
Darell Morel signs with the Pittsburgh Pirates for a tick under $1.8 million. Previously expected to sign with the Dodgers.https://t.co/aCRAKA5LSP pic.twitter.com/QKT9gqDQMR
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) January 15, 2025
One of the other shortstops is fellow signee and countrymen, Darrel Morrel. Morrel had previously reached a verbal agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Pirates made a more lucrative offer for the Dominican slugger. Drawing comparisons to Oneil Cruz as a tall interior infielder with a powerful punch from the left side of the plate, Morrel has countless physical tools to succeed in professional baseball.
The Pirates have signed Johan De Los Santos, the younger brother of Yordany De Los Santos.
(via @BaseballAmerica) pic.twitter.com/ukahji8enq
— (@NorthShoreNine) January 15, 2025
The pair of Dominican shortstops were the biggest signings for the Buccos, with De Los Santos earning a $2.4 million dollar contract, and Morel earning a $1.8 million dollar deal. Venezuelan outfielder Gabriel Rodriguez was a standout addition as well, signing for $900 thousand dollars.
Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki seemed to be in the Pirates’ sights, but regardless of that the team still made decent additions during this year’s international signing period. The organization has been able to find some of their most productive players through the international market, and and while it’s not a full-proof endeavor, the team certainly has some exciting new prospects to look forward to.
Full list of Pirates signings
Johan De Los Santos, Shortstop, Dominican Republic
Darell Morel, Shortstop Domincan Republic
Gabriel Rodriguez, Outfielder, Venezuala
Robinson Smith, Right-handed pitcher, Australia
Armstrong Muhoozi, Outfielder, Uganda
Luis Cruz, Second Baseman, Dominican Republic
Yoslaniel Hernandez, Left-handed pitcher, Cuba
Yoander Santana, Infielder, Dominican Republic
Hanley Ramirez, Centerfielder, Dominican Republic
Yhosneiber Torres, Left-handed pitcher, Venezuela
Claudio Estelie, Right-handed pitcher, Dominican Republic
Limanol Payero, Centerfielder, Dominican Republic
Eydan Fermin, Right-handed pitcher, Dominican Republic
Fredderick Ovalle, Shortstop, Dominican Republic
Victor Familia, Catcher, Dominican Republic
Victor Marquez, Catcher, Venezuela
Leudy Reyes, Right-handed pitcher, Dominican Republic
Edgar Walker, Outfileder, Dominican Republic
Hamlet Santos, Right-handed pitcher, Dominican Republic
Fernando Figuera, Right-handed pitcher, Venezuela
Jose Sequera, Right-handed pitcher, Venezuela
Justino Francisco, Right-handed pitcher, Dominican Republic
Alejandro Rondon, Right-handed pitcher, Venezuela
Maickol Reyes, Right-handed pitcher, Dominican Republic