The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed Australian shortstop Sam Kennelly, according to the Australian Baseball Federation. Kennelly is a 16-year-old who participated in Major League Baseball’s Australian Academy this year. He’s a right-handed thrower and hitter at 6′ 2″, 187 pounds.
Kennelly hit for a .250/.308/.271 line in 48 at-bats this year in the MLBAAP. He’s got three brothers in pro ball. His oldest brother Matt plays for Atlanta at the Double-A level. His brother Tim plays in Double-A for the Phillies. His brother Josh plays for the Reds in rookie ball.
Sam participated in a San Diego Padres showcase earlier in the year in the Dominican Republic. He’s the third player to sign out of Australia this year, and the first the Pirates have signed this year. The Pirates have been active in Australia in the past, having a strong presence in the area. Their Australian scout, Tony Harris, is a coach at the academy, and coaches one of the winter league teams.
Kennelly will participate in extended Spring Training with the Pirates this off-season.
