In our latest podcast episode, we discuss the upcoming International signing period for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They’ve been linked to a few names heading into the signing period, what among that group has stood out?
We then shift to our thoughts on Caleb Ferguson signing, and how that may impact the bullpen this year. We also go more in depth on the bullpen and how we feel about it going into the season as it stands plus a non-roster invite we are watching in camp.
According to multiple reports, pending International free-agent right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki is down to his final three teams.
The International signing period begins on Wednesday, with Sasaki the best player available.
He has narrowed things down to the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays.
The first two teams aren’t too much of a surprise, the Dodgers are seemingly in on every big name out there. Yu Darvish plays on the Padres and was Sasaki’s favorite player growing up, so that would have made sense.
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Keeping things on the West Coast seemed likely closer to the time zone in Asia, so the Blue Jays' being a finalist is different. However, they have also been linked to several big-name free agents this offseason.
With the Dodgers in the running, they had to let loose some of their international amateurs they were planning on Wednesday to save money. One of those players, Darell Morel, is now set to sign with the Pirates.
The New York Yankees have signed Dominic Smith to a minor-league deal on Monday and will get an invite to Spring Training.
Smith, 29, .233/.313/.378 with six home runs and 34 RBI in 93 games with the Red Sox and Reds.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have invited 13 non-roster players to Spring Training on Monday. The split includes five infielders and seven pitchers. Here’s a look at the players invited as of now:
Abrahan Gutierrez
Carson Fulmer
Darick Hall
Bryce Johnson
Isaac Mattson
Malcom Nunez
Tanner Rainey
Yohan Ramirez
Yerry Rodriguez
Burch Smith
Nick Solak
Hunter Stratton
Eddy Yean
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