Morning Rundown: Drew Maggi Released, Kalae Harrison Signs, Josiah Sightler Weekly Honors
Drew Maggi was released by the Pirates, who also signed another one of their draft picks while Josiah Sightler picked up some weekly honors.
Drew Maggi had one of the better feel good baseball moments that you will see, finally making his major league debut after playing in over 1,000 minor league games.
He even picked up his first career hit during his team up with the Pirates. Eventually, he was outrighted back to Altoona, where he played sparingly, was even suspended by the time.
On June 17 he was placed on the 7-Day IL, and was eventually activated on July 2 before landing on the Development list on July 14. That’s where he stayed until Monday when he was released by the Pirates.
It was a great story on perseverance, but also Maggi had a system worst 36 wRC+ among hitters with at least 100 plate appearances, and that was only playing at Double-A Altoona.
With the deadline to sign draft picks coming up, the Pirates made what was potentially their last signing on Monday, coming to terms with infielder Kalae Harrison.
Born in Hawaii, Harrison spent the first two college years with Texas A&M before transferring to NC State, where he hit .313/.436/.426 his junior season, with 15 extra-base hits and walking more (37) than he struck out (28).
After signing, he was immediately assigned to their team in the Florida Complex League. As of Monday’s games, no 2023 draft pick has made his professional debut.
Ever since he was promoted to Single-A Bradenton, Josiah Sightler has been on a hitting rampage. This past week he was recognized as the Florida State League Player of The Week for his efforts against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.
The former South Carolina slugger picked 13 hits, three of which were home runs, driving in six and scoring eight runs.
He’s easily been one of the hottest hitters in the minors, posting a 268 wRC+ in 18 games and 80 plate appearances.
Minor League Recap 7/24
FCL Pirates - 5 vs FCL Twins 6
Top Hitter - Esmerlyn Valdez/Eddy Rodriguez: 1-4, R, HR, 2 RBI
Top Pitcher - Joaquin Tejada: IP, BB
DSL Pirates Black - 1 vs DSL Cubs Blue
Top Hitter - Samuel Escudero: 1-3, RBI, 2B
Top Pitcher - Dariel Francia: 3 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K
DSL Pirates Gold - 5 vs DSL Tigers 1 - 3
Top Hitter - Richard Ramirez: 2-3, R, 2 RBI, 3B
Top Pitcher - Angel Camacho: 3.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 4 K
Unless they find a way to get Cuvet, I can’t imagine even getting close to their bonus pool limit - not great!
Im going to add that barco also needs promoted, i know hes only two starts back, but he can run 2-3 inning outings just as easily at bradenton or greensboro where he has a chance to be challenged