The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed 21 international free agents, led by center fielder Bralyn Brazoban and shortstop Adbiel Feliz.
“We are thrilled to welcome another important international signing class to the Pirates. Our staff
has worked tirelessly to get to know this group of players and we can’t wait to see them in black and
gold,” said Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington. “Players signed and developed by our international
scouting and development teams are important for our future success in Pittsburgh.”
Brazoban, ranked as MLB Pipeline’s 38th-best prospect, signed for a $2 million bonus, the largest of the class. Feliz, ranked 50th, signed for $1.2 million.
The 17-year-old Brazoban has solid tools across the board, with his 55-grade hitting ability his best. At the plate, he has good vision and discipline and generates consistent hard contact with his quick hands and bat speed.
“Bralyn has the potential to be a plus defender in the outfield and produce for average and power,”
said Director of International Scouting Junior Vizcaino.
Feliz, meanwhile, is considered a defense-first prospect but like Brazoban, has solid tools in all the different elements of the game. He projects to stick at shortstop as he begins his professional career.
“Adbiel has the potential to be a plus defender at shortstop and a top-of-the-order hitter,” said
Vizcaino.
Among the other prospects signed by the Pirates is shortstop Anthony Sosa, who is the nephew of former MLB star Sammy Sosa.
In total, the 21 different signees come from six different countries — Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Curacao, the Bahamas, Panama and Australia.
The full list of players signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates can be found below:
- Javier Acevedo (C)
- Iverson Allen (CF)
- Adrian Aray (RHP)
- Bralyn Brazoban (CF)
- Andy Calixte (OF)
- Adbiel Feliz (SS)
- Edward Florentino (OF)
- Angel Herrera (RHP)
- Kendrick Herrera (SS)
- Jesus Lizardo (C)
- Randol Martinez (RHP)
- Frankeli Mesta (SS)
- Reinold Navarro (RHP)
- Michaell Ojeda (SS)
- Irwin Ramirez (RHP)
- Rubens Romero (RHP)
- Angel Soriano (LHP)
- Anthony Sosa (SS)
- Jesus Tapia (RHP)
- Deshandro Tromp (SS)
- Phillando Williams (RHP)
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