The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that eight players have been invited to Spring Training, with some big name prospects among the group. Two of the players invited were pitchers Charlie Leesman and Wilfredo Boscan, both of whom just signed minor league deals. The other six players invited today are pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Adrian Sampson, first baseman Stetson Allie, infielder Gift Ngoepe and outfielders Mel Rojas Jr. and Keon Broxton.
I don’t believe any of them have a real shot to make the team out of Spring Training as Leesman is the only one with any Major League experience and would be the only possible exception. Even he would have to beat out a group of more experienced players fighting for the last spots in the bullpen.
Participating in Major League Spring Training is great for the younger players, even if it is for just a short time at the beginning for most of them. Someone like Glasnow will probably see a couple brief relief appearances before he heads back to Minor League Spring Training, where he will get stretched out for his role as a starter in Altoona. The hitters will likely get a start or two, but mostly finish the games out before the regulars work their way up to playing a full game.
