Pirates expected to add pair of Dominican prospects
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The Pirates are set to add two talented international prospects hailing from the Dominican Republic to their organizational ranks as the 2024 signing period opens Monday.
According to industry sources, Pittsburgh has agreed to deals with outfielder Bralyn Brazoban and shortstop Abdiel Feliz. The Pirates, who received $7,114,800 in pool money, have not yet confirmed the agreements.
Brazoban is a big-bodied center fielder with emerging tools, the most impressive of which are his speed and bat.
Offensively, MLB.com's No. 38 international prospect displays solid hitting ability and makes consistent hard contact. Scouts note Brazoban can drive the ball line-to-line with authority and flashes of home run power. He shows quick hands, enabling his bat to fly through the zone. The teen has displayed advanced plate vision and manages the strike zone well. He doesn't strike out often, always puts the ball in play and has good extension on his swings.
Brazoban is a solid runner who does not have any trouble going from first to third base. He has a tall, lean, athletic build with long limbs and plenty of room for growth.
Brazoban trains with Ysbel Medina in the Dominican Republic.
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Feliz, ranked No. 50, projects to have average tools across the board and should stick at shortstop. He is a defense-first prospect and arguably one of the few pure shortstops in the class. His offense is also emerging.
The switch-hitter projects to hit enough and feature enough power to play every day. He already displays a good approach at the plate with bat speed. The teen can drive the ball into the gaps and he could develop some pop -- even home run power -- as he adds strength and his body develops.
Feliz is agile with solid footwork and skillful hands, traits that should help him on both sides of the ball.
He trains in the Dominican Republic with Bartolo Colon, a member of MLB's Trainer Partnership Program.
An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15. He must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year.
That means players born between Sept. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31, 2007, will be eligible to sign in the current signing period. Players must be registered with Major League Baseball in advance to be eligible to sign.