Pittsburgh Pirates: Team Signs Infielder Domingo Leyba
The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed a veteran infielder to a minor-league contract. The infielder is reporting to Spring Training with the Big League Club.
According to John Dreker of Pirates Prospects, the Pittsburgh Pirates are set to sign a veteran infielder to a minor league deal. Dreker tweeted that the team had come to terms with veteran infielder Domingo Leyba. Leyba spent all of last season between the San Diego Padres Double-A and Triple-A affiliate. Here is the tweet:
Leyba began his professional baseball career in 2013 when he signed with the Detroit Tigers as an international free agent. He spent six seasons in the Tigers minor league system, gradually progressing through the ranks and showcasing his talent as an excellent hitter and fielder.
In 2019, Leyba made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks, playing in 21 games and batting .280 with two home runs and eight runs batted in (RBIs). However, his 2020 season was shortened due to injuries, and he played in only 10 games, hitting .267 with two RBIs.
Leyba is a versatile player who can play multiple positions in the infield, including second base, shortstop, and third base. He is known for his quick reflexes and excellent fielding, making him a valuable asset on the defensive side of the game. Offensively, he has shown good bat control and plate discipline, making consistent contact with the ball and getting on base frequently.
Leyba will likely be battling with veteran infielder Chris Owings who is also in on a minor league deal. Ironically, Leyba also played for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both are quality veterans to have at camp on minor-league deals.
The switch-hitter has spent parts of three seasons in Triple-A, where he’s a career .296/.342/.525 hitter in 755 trips to the plate. If he does not have any sort of opt-out clause in his minor league contract then he will likely help eat some innings in the infield for Triple-A Indianapolis. He also would likely be one of the first players called up upon injury, rather than sacrificing Super-2 status for a prospect like Nick Gonzalez.