Pittsburgh Pirates: 2024 International Signing Period Opens Up

With one of the most substantial International budgets in Major League Baseball, the Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to be active in terms of the new International signing period. Boasting just over $7 million, the team should be able to snag quite a few prospects. Today is the official opening of the new window for signees.

The Bucs have already brought in a couple of highly-rated prospects already. Both had previously been reported, but they are now official according to Baseball America. The top two signings according to MLB Pipeline's rankings are outfielder Brailyn Brozoban and infielder Abdiel Feliz. Baseball America's rankings are based on signing bonuses and not scout-based rankings.

Brozoban is a very projectable outfielder. MLB Pipeline has him at 6'1'' and 180 pounds with the idea that he has an ideal frame to grow into. The left-handed bat is ranked as MLB Pipeline's #38 prospect on their Top 50 rankings. FanGraphs notes that he projects him as a right fielder in the future, noting power over hit tool and grading him as a 35+ Future Value which is about average for these types of signings.

Abdiel Feliz is the other signing of note. He is a shortstop and has the athleticism to stick there. He has a bit of an athletic frame but a lot of room to grow yet standing at 6'1'' and weighing just 160 pounds, according to MLB Pipeline. He ranks as their 50th-best prospect available. However, FanGraphs actually has a higher future value grade for Feliz than they do Brozoban. Feliz is labelled with a 40 FV with FanGraphs saying:

""Feliz checks a lot of the scouting boxes I covet; he's a projectable switch-hitting shortstop and a graceful athlete. His swing is a bit long and loping, but he may be able to shorten up as he gets stronger. ""

- FanGraphs Report

As the signing period unfolds, fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates are hopeful that these signings will turn into a few future top prospects.

The window remains open until the end of the year, providing the Pirates ample time to make impactful additions to their farm system. Some players have to wait until their birthdays to be able to sign this period, so more deals will happen throughout the year.