Fernando Villegas

FERNANDO VILLEGAS, CORNER OUTFIELDER
Born: June 28, 1998
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 176
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Signed: Int’l Free Agent, 2018, Pittsburgh Pirates
How Acquired: International Free Agent
Country: Mexico
Agent: N/A

WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE
Villegas was part of the Pirates’ increased focus on Mexico.  He participated in the Mexican League’s academy, where he hit .333 in 52 games.  He also played in the country’s version of the minor leagues.  The Pirates signed Villegas about the same time that they signed Fabricio Macias.  Like Macias, Villegas got tangled in MLB’s contract approval process.  His deal was approved in June and the Pirates sent him to the GCL.

2018
R:  295/409/443, 88 AB, 7 2B, 3 3B, 12 BB, 15 K, 4-7 SB

Villegas hit well once he got into action, although he was slightly older than ideal for the GCL.  He showed good patience and gap power, while dividing his time between the outfield corners.

2019
R:  000/286/000, 9 AB, 4 BB, 6 K
R+:  319/372/472, 72 AB, 8 2B, 1 HR, 5 BB, 10 K, 1-1 SB
A-:  219/305/356, 73 AB, 5 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 8 BB, 15 K

Villegas got a late start again, as he was hurt when the short season teams started play.  After a rehab in the GCL, the Pirates sent him to Bristol.  He hit very well there and they moved him up to West Virginia in early August.  He got off to a good start there, but finished in an 0-for-21 skid.  He played twice in center for Bristol, but otherwise played the corners.

Villegas should move up to Greensboro in 2020.  He’ll need to show more power going forward as he isn’t likely to play center.
CONTRACT INFORMATION
2020: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2018
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2024
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2021
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
February 15, 2018: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.