Pirates Sign Former Twins Outfielder, Local Star

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates haven't recently had any players from western Pennsylvania on the team, but they may have one in the near future.

The Pirates signed Pittsburgh native and outfielder Kyler Fedko to a minor league deal, per KDKA-TV sports anchor Rich Walsh.

Fedko most recently played for the Minnesota Twins, who designated him for assignment and released him on Sept. 1 after he tore his ACL.

Walsh also reported that Fedko chose the Pirates over a number of other offers and will now work on his rehab going forward.

Fedko hails from nearby Gibsonia, Pa., and played for Vincentian Academy, a co-ed Catholic High School in McCandless, Pa., that shut down in 2020.

He led Vincentian to two PIAA titles in 2016 and 2018 and earned 2018 Max Preps All-American honors for hitting .661 as a senior.

Fedko then played for UConn for three seasons, 2019-21, where he hit .398/.485/.673 for an OPS of 1.158 as junior in 2021, earning All-American honors.

The Twins selected Fedko in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft and spent six seasons in their farm system before making his MLB debut on June 15.

Fedko had no hits in 16 at-bats with the Twins, with one run scored, one RBI, two walks and eight strikeouts.

He can play all three outfield spots and hit .252/.357/.431 for an OPS of .788 in 473 minor league games.