Burch Smith

The Pirates announced a slate of 13 non-roster invitees to spring training Monday, revealing within that they’ve signed right-hander Burch Smith and outfielder Bryce Johnson to minor league contracts. Smith, 35 in April, split the 2024 season between the Marlins and Orioles, pitching to a combined 4.95 ERA with a below-average 19.1% strikeout rate but a…

The Pirates will now be Smith's eighth MLB team in a career that also included a year playing professionally in Korea. In 2024, Smith pitched in 50 games between the Marlins and Orioles' organizations, posting a 4.95 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 46/12 K/BB ratio in 56 1/3 innings. He had a poor 19 percent strikeout rate but he possesses elite command with a five-percent walk rate. He has a decent shot to earn a spot in the Pirates' bullpen.

The Pirates announced a slate of 13 non-roster invitees to spring training Monday, revealing within that they’ve signed right-hander Burch Smith and outfielder Bryce Johnson to minor league contracts. Smith, 35 in April, split the 2024 season between the Marlins and Orioles, pitching to a combined 4.95 ERA with a below-average 19.1% strikeout rate but a…