Axiel Plaz

AXIEL PLAZ, CATCHER
Born: August 12, 2005
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 165
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Signed: Int’l Free Agent, 2022, Pittsburgh Pirates
How Acquired: International Free Agent
Country: Venezuela
Agent: N/A

WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE
When the Pirates signed Plaz, he was seen as a good defensive catcher with power potential who’d need to show he could make consistent contact.

2022
DSL:  382/500/706, 68 AB, 11 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 13 BB, 16 K, 2-2 SB

Plaz had a huge season, albeit an abbreviated one, as he missed about a month with an injury.  When he played, he made good contact and showed very good patience.  Over half of his hits went for extra bases.  He threw out 35% of base stealers.  Plaz did all this despite not turning 17 until the end of the season.

Plaz’ debut was impressive, but it’s useful to remember that DSL stats mean little.  The Pirates’ experience with Alexander Mojica showed that.  It’ll be interesting to see how he does next year, when he should be in the FCL.

CONTRACT INFORMATION
2023: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: $350,000
MiLB Debut: 2022
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2028
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2026
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
January 15, 2022: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.