The Pittsburgh Pirates signed shortstop Shawn Ross to a minor league deal on Thursday. The 23-year-old is currently playing winter ball in Puerto Rico.
Ross was born in Puerto Rico and attended Faulkner University, where he played during the 2020-22 seasons. He had a 1.102 OPS in 51 games last year, collecting 16 homers while going 12-for-12 in stolen bases. He hit .317/.454/.639 this year in 56 games, with 18 homers and 17 stolen bases. He then signed to play independent ball with Grand Junction of the Pioneer League. He had a .280/.408/.614 slash line in 81 games this summer, adding another 24 homers and 14 steals. Between college/indy, he had 104 walks in 137 games.
So far this winter, he is hitting .118/.224/.216 in 17 games. Keep in mind that there is a huge difference in competition between the Pioneer League and winter ball in Puerto Rico. He’s facing some pitchers with big league experience, as well as many who have reached Triple-A.
