From Mirror, wire reports

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates announced the hiring of Max Kwan as its new vice president of international scouting on Wednesday.

Kwan is in his second stint as a member of the Pirates after originally being hired by Pittsburgh in 2014 as an area supervisor. During his time as assistant director of international scouting from 2018-2020, Kwan played an instrumental role in the signings of Ji Hwan Bae, Tsung-Che Cheng, Jun-Seok Shim, David Matoma, Alessandro Ercolani and Brandan Bidois.

Also hired were Michael Chernow, who will oversee the Pirates minor league system. Chernow had previously served in the organization as assistant director for coaching and player development. He has been with the Pirates since 2017.

A new Twin

MINNEAPOLIS — Outfielder Harrison Bader and the Minnesota Twins have agreed to a one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

A Gold Glove winner for St. Louis in 2021, Bader will be playing for his fifth team in five seasons.

He hit .236 with 12 homers, 51 RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 25 attempts for the New York Mets last year. He was limited to just two postseason starts in 12 games.

Bader is expected to provide an experienced right-handed bat off the bench and excellent defense in the outfield that can keep the Twins from too much of a drop-off in the field when Byron Buxton needs a break.

Help acquired

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have acquired Ryan Brasier in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, adding the right-hander to their bullpen after he was cut by the World Series champions last week.

The Cubs are sending a player to be named or cash to the Dodgers for Brasier, who went 1-0 with a 3.54 ERA in 29 games last year, including four starts.

The Dodgers said they also sent cash to the Cubs as part of the deal.