Pirates News: International prospect signings, spring training report dates announced

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a loud statement on the opening day of the international signing period, headlined by the addition of 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Wilton Guerrero Jr., the No. 17-ranked international prospect per MLB Pipeline. Pittsburgh signed Guerrero for $1.95 million, landing one of the most dynamic athletes in this year’s class.

Guerrero is best known for his speed, boasting a 70-grade run tool and a 55-grade glove at shortstop. Scouts peg him as a 50-grade hitter with developing pop (45 power) and a solid 50-grade arm, giving him the foundation of a true up-the-middle defender with impact upside. He's also best known for being a member of that Guerrero family.

The Pirates weren’t done there. They also inked Dominican outfielder Jeancer Custodio for $900,000, Dominican infielder Alexander Pio for $450,000, right-hander Jhon Reynoso for $135,000, outfielder Carlos Tejera for $95,000 and Cuban outfielder Rolthemnay Marquetti for $40,000.

Pittsburgh signed 25 players in total, including a handful of international prospects out of Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, plus one each from Cuba, Brazil, Nicaragua and Panama.

It’s a sizable first-day haul that underscores Pittsburgh’s continued emphasis on building from the ground up — stocking the system with high-upside, athletic talent that could shape the next wave of Pirates baseball.

Pirates News: Pittsburgh announces spring training report dates

The Pirates announced their spring training report dates this week, officially putting the 2026 season on the horizon.

Pitchers and catchers will report to the team's facility in Bradenton on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with full-squad workouts beginning Monday, Feb. 16. Pittsburgh will open its Grapefruit League schedule on Feb. 21 against the Baltimore Orioles, then follow it up with a split-squad game the next day against the Philadelphia Phillies.

With camp now less than a month away, the front office has limited time to finish buttoning up the roster. The Pirates still have clear needs at third base and in the starting rotation — particularly for a left-handed arm — and another bat remains a priority as well.

The countdown is on, and the next few weeks will determine whether Pittsburgh enters camp with answers, or with questions still hanging over a roster trying to take the next step.