Pittsburgh Pirates Favorites to Sign Another Top International Prospect

(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh Pirates
(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

When January 15th comes around next week, the Pittsburgh Pirates will be very busy signing some of the best international talent.

The Pittsburgh Pirates appear primed to sign another top international free agent

According to MLB Pipeline, Ben Cherington and the Pittsburgh Pirates plan on bringing in even more talent once International Signing Day comes around on January 15th. The Pittsburgh Pirates have flipped to being the favorites to sign the no. 11 prospect outfielder, Tony Blanco Jr. Previously, the Tampa Bay Rays we’re viewed as the favorites to sign Blanco.

The 6’5″ 230 pound corner outfielder now appears set to sign with the Pirates alongside the #12 prospect shortstop, Yordany De Los Santos. Adding these two to an already deep Pirate farm system will further solidify it as one of the best in all of baseball.

The Pirates are in need of more power hitting prospects and Blanco Jr. will give them just that. MLB Pipeline has him as a potential 40 plus homerun guy with good bat speed. Their current grades on Blanco Jr. are a Hit 50, Power 55, Run 50, Arm 55, Field 50 and with an Overall grade of 55.

Blanco Jr. is projected to start his professional career at right field, but could also play first base, left field, and designated hitter. Most importantly, he adds needed power to the system.

dark. Next. Five Overlooked Prospects to Watch in 2022

With De Los Santos and now Blanco Jr. projected to sign, the Pittsburgh Pirates might come away with one of the best International signing days in all of baseball this year. This new regime should get us all excited for the future.