Five Intriguing Pirates NRI’s to Follow in Spring Training (+)
After releasing an initial list of non-roster invitees for spring training earlier this offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced 14 more players who will be joining major-league camp.
Among the players who will be joining the players on the Pirates’ 40-man roster in Bradenton later this month include top prospects and minor-league free agent signings.
There are several players who will be interesting to follow in spring for a variety of reasons. Some players could crack the club’s Opening Day roster. Some will get a chance to face big-league caliber competition to gauge where they are at in their development.
Here are six players worth keeping an eye on.
RHP Bubba Chandler
The top Pirates’ prospect, Chandler will again be in big-league camp for the Pirates. Though it might be a longshot he cracks the Opening Day roster, Jared Jones found himself in a similar situation last spring and did just that.
Chandler split time last year between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis. He pitched well in Altoona and shined in Indianapolis, finishing a perfect 4-0 with a 1.83 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 39.1 innings.
Whether he makes the Opening Day roster or not, Chandler should make his big-league debut at some point in 2025.
RHP Carson Fulmer
It appears there will be some competition for the final few spots in the Pirates’ bullpen, and Fulmer is in the mix after signing a minor-league deal.
Fulmer made 37 appearances with the Los Angeles Angels last season and pitched much better than his 0-5 record would indicate. The 31-year-old posted a 4.15 ERA, struck out 81 batters in 86.2 innings.
With a good spring, he could force his way onto the roster.
INF/OF Konnor Griffin
The Pirates used last year’s first-round pick on Griffin, and we will finally get a look at him in a black and gold uniform.
Griffin did not appear in an affiliated game after he was taken ninth overall out of high school in Mississippi. The 18-year-old is extremely athletic with excellent speed and a strong arm that will play at either shortstop or in center field.
Though he’s still years away from making his MLB debut, it will be nice to get eyes on Griffin for the first time since he took batting practice at PNC Park after signing.
INF Termarr Johnson
Johnson fared well in big-league camp last spring and will get another shot this year.
The Pirates took Johnson out of high school with the fourth pick in the 2023 draft. Though he hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations placed upon him as a draft prospect, the 20-year-old has ascended quickly through the system.
Johnson reached Double-A for the first time towards the end of last season and looks like a potential breakout candidate this year. He’ll get his first shot to do so at spring training.
RHP Hunter Stratton
Stratton’s 2024 season was cut short following a gruesome knee injury on a freak play retrieving a ball behind the backstop at PNC Park.
But prior to his injury, Stratton gave the Pirates could work out of the bullpen. In 36 appearances, Stratton went 2-1 with a 3.58 ERA and earned his first major-league save.
Given the competition surrounding the Pirates’ bullpen, he could factor back into the equation quickly again when healthy.
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