Position: IF
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 160 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 11/28/2001
Country: Dominican Republic
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2018
Bonus: $380,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Yes
Minor League Free Agency: 2025
Options Left: 3
Overview
Jerez was one of the Pirates’ more prominent signings in the 2018-19 international signing period. He was signed as a shortstop but transitioned quickly to the corners. He has an outstanding arm and good power, but he’s prone to chasing pitches.
2019-21
Jerez hit well in his DSL debut in 2019, showing good power, although the plate discipline could have been better. He batted 272/324/469, with a BB:K of 14:48. He split his time in the field between second and short. After the pandemic season, the Pirates moved Jerez up to the FCL and he had a very strong 2021 season, batting 296/394/500, although he struck out in nearly a third of his ABs. He played mostly at third and had trouble with errors.
2022-23
In 2022, Jerez missed over a month with an injury, but otherwise spent the season with Bradenton. He had a tough time with full-season pitching, batting just 212/291/351 and striking out in well over a third of his ABs. He hit for a little power and did a very good job of stealing bases, swiping 20 in 22 tries. He played first and third, with a few games at second. At third, Jerez struggled with errors.
In 2023, Jerez started the season injured. He didn’t appear until early June, when he started a rehab assignment in the FCL. He moved up to Bradenton late in the month. The hitting problems continued, as he had just a .551 OPS there. The Pirates moved him to the development list late in the season.
Stats
Transactions
July 2, 2018: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.