Jonathan Rivero
Position: C
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 191 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/R
Born: 12/15/2005
Country: Venezuela
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2023
Bonus: $840,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2027
Minor League Free Agency: 2029
Options Left: 3
Overview
Rivero got the largest bonus of the Pirates’ January 2023 international signings. The report on him was that he already had some power, with projection for more. He also has good athleticism and the tools to stay behind the plate, including an above-average arm.
2023-24
Rivero’s first season in the DSL wasn’t an easy one, as he batted .152 with little power. He did have the same number of walks as strikeouts, with a reasonable rate of the latter. He split his time between catcher and DH, and threw out 23% of base stealers. The Pirates sent him back to the DSL in 2024 and he hit a lot better, although his walk and K rates were both worse and he still didn’t hit for any power. He batted 276/357/322. Rivero was hurt at the start of the season, missing most of June, and he served strictly as a DH when he returned.
Stats
Transactions
January 15, 2023: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.