Position: RHP
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 178 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 11/30/2004
Country: Dominican Republic
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2022
Bonus: $700,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2026
Minor League Free Agency: 2028
Options Left: 3
Overview
Rosa got the third biggest bonus for a Pirates international signee in the 2021-22 period, and the highest for a pitcher. He’s a converted outfielder who’s very athletic, with good mechanics. His fastball has already reached 94, and his curve and change show promise. Rosa was born in Puerto Rico, but signed out of the Dominican Republic.
2022-24
Rosa made eight starts in the DSL in 2022. The Pirates limited his workload some due to him being new to pitching. He had two rough starts in which he allowed eight earned runs total; in the other six he allowed one. His walk rate was a little high but not concerning given his inexperience. Everything else was good, with opponents hitting just .181 and slugging just .222 against him.
The Pirates sent Rosa back to the DSL for a second season in 2023 and it didn’t go nearly as well. His K/9 jumped to 12.7, but he also walked 7.1 and got hit harder. His ERA was 6.21. In 2024, Rosa went to the FCL, but he was on the injured list until mid-July. He made five appearances, allowing nine hits and seven walks in 8.2 IP, with seven strikeouts.
Stats
Transactions
January 15, 2022: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.