The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed right-handed pitcher Marek Minarik from the Czech Republic, according to Mister Baseball (h/t imokemp). Minarik’s deal is pending his visa being processed, and he should report to Bradenton for minor league Spring Training.
He’s 6′ 7″, 195 pounds, and will be 21 in 2014. He has played in pro ball before, spending two years with the Phillies in 2011 and 2012. In that time he combined for a 3.15 ERA in 20 innings in the GCL, along with a 6.8 K/9 and a 1.4 BB/9. He was hit around a lot, leading to a 1.40 WHIP. Last year he pitched in the Czech Extraleague and had a 2.91 ERA and a 33:30 K/BB ratio in 43.1 innings. Because he has previously played in pro-ball, this counts as a minor league free agent, and not an international amateur free agent.
Here is a video of Minarik against Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic, hitting 93-94 MPH pretty consistently, although with some control problems. He also throws a 12-to-6 curveball which had good break, but inconsistent command.
