Joaquin Tejada
Joaquin Tejada
Position: RHP
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 160 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 07/16/2003
Country: Panama
Signed: International Free Agent, 2021 (Mariners)
How Acquired: Trade (from Mariners with Carter Bins for Tyler Anderson)
Bonus: $200,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2023
Minor League Free Agency: 2027
Options Left: 3
Overview
Tejada throws a fastball that reaches 95 mph and sits at 89-92. He has a potentially above-average curve and a solid change. The Pirates acquired him from Seattle in the Tyler Anderson trade.
2020-24
Tejada missed the pandemic season, then opened 2021 in the DSL with Seattle, but pitched most of the season with the Pirates after the trade. He pitched reasonably well, mostly as a starter, although walks were an issue. Opponents hit .216 against him.
In 2022, Tejada pitched mostly in relief in the FCL, although frequently three innings at a time. Like a lot of the team’s lower level pitchers, he showed very good stuff but had trouble with the strike zone, walking 5.7 per nine innings. Opponents batted just .172 against him. The Pirates sent him back to the level in 2023 and the control problems continued. He gave up just 13 hits in 26.2 innings and fanned 30, but he walked 22.
In 2024, the Pirates sent Tejada to Bradenton, where he made one appearance and then went on the injured list. He returned two weeks later and the Pirates sent him to the FCL. He made four appearances there and had a very rough time, giving up eight hits and seven walks over three and a third innings. Then he went on the injured list for the rest of the season.
Stats
Transactions
July 16, 2019: Signed by the Seattle Mariners as an international free agent.
July 28, 2021: Traded by the Seattle Mariners with Carter Bins to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Tyler Anderson.