Pirates Favorites to Land Two Top International Amateur Free Agents

This year’s international amateur free agent cycle opens later on this month, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are the favorites to land two players from MLB Pipeline’s top 50 list.

The Pirates are the frontrunners to sign outfielder Bralyn Brazoban (No. 38) and infielder Abdiel Feliz (No. 50). According to Baseball America, Brazoban is expected to receive the 12th-largest bonus this cycle while Feliz is expected to land the 34th-largest.

Brazoban has solid tools across the board, with his 55-grade hitting ability the standout. Scouts believe the 17-year-old has home run power in his future and already flashes slugging ability. Brazoban already possesses an advanced eye at the plate and has excellent bat speed with quick hands.

Brazoban possesses good speed and he projects to be able to handle center field as a professional.

Feliz, who doesn’t turn 17 years old until next month, is an athletic shortstop who Pipeline says has a “well-rounded profile.” Feliz carries 50-grade tools across the board with his hit, power, run, arm and field.

Defensively, he is considered to be one of the few pure shortstops available in this year’s cycle and is considered a defense-first prospect. With that being said, there is still intrigue surrounding Feliz at the plate and he is said to have a solid hitting approach and impressive bat speed. As he continues to grow and gets stronger, there is the potential for more power.

Feliz trains with long-time MLB pitcher Bartolo Colón in the Dominican Republic. Like Feliz, Brazoban is also from the Dominican Republic.

The pair of signings will give the Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system a boost with two exciting young players with plenty of upside as they get set to begin their professional careers.

The 2024 window opens on Jan. 15, which would be the first day teams can officially sign intentional amateur free agents.