MLB

MLB Offseason Round-Up: Pirates Release Hatch, Brewers Close on Deal With Top Prospect

Published

11 months ago

December 1, 2023

This is one in a series of daily articles highlighting the latest news and notes from the MLB offseason.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have shown some signs of life. It’s been an excruciatingly slow winter on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, but the club has proven that they aren’t in hibernation.

On Thursday, the Pirates released right-handed pitcher Thomas Hatch so that he can pursue a foreign opportunity. Hatch will sign with the Nippon-Ham Fighters in the Pacific League of Nippon Professional Baseball.

Hatch made 12 appearances with the Pirates this past season after he was claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays in August. The 29-year-old went 1-1 with a 4.03 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 22.1 innings pitched. In 39 career appearances across parts of four seasons, Hatch is 4-4 with a 4.96 ERA.

The move clears an additional spot on the Pirates’ 40-man roster, which now stands at 36 players.

Extension Coming For Top Prospect

According to multiple reports, the Milwaukee Brewers are on the verge of contract extension with 19-year-old outfielder Jackson Chourio. He’s considered MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 overall prospect.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the extension will be for eight years with a pair of club options. The total guarantee of the contract will be for around $80 million.

For his minor league career, Chourio has slashed .286/.347/.490 with 63 doubles, 47 home runs, 191 RBIs and 68 stolen bases in 272 games. This past season, he hit .283 with an .805 OPS, 22 homers, 91 RBIs and 44 steals.

Other News and Notes

Miami Marlins starting pitchers Edward Cabrera and Trevor Rogers are each generating trade interest. Both pitchers are under club control for the foreseeable future.
The New York Mets stayed active this MLB offseason as they brought in reliever Austin Adams on a one-year deal.