The FCL Pirates clinched the playoffs on Thursday. They finished the 2024 regular season with a 36-23 record, winning the Florida Complex League South Division with a one game lead over the Rays and Red Sox. The Pirates went 8-2 down the stretch, winning their final seven games to clinch.
Four teams make the post-season in the FCL playoffs. The first round is a one-game semi-final, followed by a best-of-three series for the championship.
The Pirates will travel to play the Yankees on Saturday at noon in the semi-finals. If they win that game, they’ll play a best of three series starting on Sunday, taking on the winner of the Tigers and Marlins.
The last time the Pirates won an FCL Championship was in 2012, with a team led by Tyler Glasnow on the pitching side.
Pitchers on the Move
The Pirates had two pitchers moving up in the minor league system on Thursday.
Mike Burrows returned to Triple-A, after being out from Tommy John since April 8th last year. He was rehabbing in the lower levels since mid-June this year. Burrows threw four innings, allowing one run in his return to Triple-A.
Anthony Solometo has been on the development list, after struggling during the first two months in Double-A. He recently returned to the FCL for a start. The Pirates moved him up to Single-A Bradenton, where he will start on Friday.
Pirates Make Two Minor Moves
The Pirates signed veteran infielder Jose Rojas and sent him to Indianapolis. The 31-year-old was previously in the Yankees organization, putting up a .254/.359/.561 line with 18 homers at the Triple-A level. Rojas has 241 plate appearances in the majors, batting .188/.245/.339 with six homers between 2021-22.
The Pirates also traded center fielder Gilberto Celestino to the Chicago Cubs for cash. The 25-year-old outfielder was hitting .271/.348/.356 in 264 plate appearances with Triple-A Indianapolis.
More Draft Signings
The Pirates announced three more draft signings on Thursday, led by Competitive Balance pick Levi Sterling. The prep right-hander signed for the $2.51 million slot price. In my update to the top 50 prospect rankings, Sterling was the number 18 prospect in the system.
The Pirates also added two college seniors from day three. They added 14th round outfielder Ian Farrow and 15th round third baseman Ethan Lege. Read more about Sterling, Farrow, and Lege in yesterday’s signing article.
The Pirates have now signed ten of their picks. They still have $179,200 to spend on over-slot picks, with $879,225 available to spend without losing any future draft picks. The Draft Pick Signing Tracker has been updated with the moves.
Pirates Prospect Watch
Mike Burrows returned to Indianapolis, adding one run in four innings on a day with good pitching performances throughout the system. Po-Yu Chen allowed one run in seven innings for Altoona. Dominic Perachi struck out 11 batters in six shutout innings. Carlson Reed allowed just two unearned runs in five innings, striking out a career-high nine batters. Read about all of Thursday’s action in the latest Pirates Prospect Watch.
Pirates Prospect Watch: Mike Burrows Looks Good in Return to Triple-A
