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Chapman eager to help Bucs

By Will Graves The Associated Press PITTSBURGH — Aroldis Chapman isn’t in Pittsburgh to take David Bednar’s job. The seven-time All-Star closer is happy to fill whatever bullpen role a team finally ready to win sooner rather than later needs, even if that means serving in a set-up role to Bednar, himself a two-time All-Star. “We haven’t discussed it yet but it’s just something I’m pretty easy going about,” Chapman said via a translator after his $10.5 million, one-year contract was announced Wednesday. “There’s just no issue for me. I’m flexible and I know ...

Pirates head to spring training with five on Top Prospect list

From Mirror, wire reports PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates released the names of 13 players invited to attend Major League camp as non-roster invitees this season and five them are in the MLB Pipeline Top 100 Prospect list. Leading the way on that list is pitcher Paul Skenes, who is No. 1 out of LSU. He made a combined five starts between the Florida Complex League, Bradenton and Altoona last season. No. 12 on that list is infielder Jack Branigan. He hit a combined .275 with 19 home runs and 54 RBIs last year between Bradenton and Greensboro. He had an OPS of .987. Coming in ...

Pirates agree to terms with reliever Chapman

The Associated Press PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have bolstered the back end of their bullpen, agreeing to terms with seven-time All-Star reliever Aroldis Chapman on a one-year deal worth $10.5 million. The deal is pending completion of a physical, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press. The source spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal isn’t yet final. Chapman gives the Bucs an experienced left-hander to work in a potential set-up role for closer David Bednar. The 14-year veteran, who turns 36 next month, has 321 saves while ...

Bucs organization finishes up with 21 international players

From Mirror, wire reports The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Friday that the club signed a total of 21 players during the first week of Major League Baseball’s 2024 international signing period. Sixteen of the 17 remaining players were signed in the Dominican Republic for the first time ever today. Eighteen players along with a staff member will take part in the organization’s 14th high school graduation ceremony at the club’s facility in the Dominican Republic tomorrow, which will be attended by Pirates Chairman of the Board Bob Nutting, President Travis Williams, and General ...

Sports at a glance

Bednar, Keller get new deals PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates avoided arbitration with All-Star closer David Bednar and All-Star pitcher Mitch Keller by agreeing to one-year deals Thursday ahead of the exchange of proposed salaries. Bednar, an All-Star in each of the last two seasons, will get $4.51 million. He went 3-3 with 39 saves and a 2.00 ERA last season. Keller, an All-Star in 2023 while going 13-9 with a 4.21 ERA, will earn $5.442,500. Pittsburgh also reached agreements with first baseman Connor Joe at $2,125,000 and outfielder Edward Olivares at $1.35 million. ...

Sports at a glance

PiratesFest this Saturday PITTSBURGH — PiratesFest 2024 will get underway this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Season ticket holders will have early access fro 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. prior to the general public’s times. Admission is free and open to all with registration at pirates.com/piratesfest. The event includes free autograph sessions for kids 14-and-under, prizes, games and the chance to purchase single-game tickets,t ticket packages and group packages for this season. Fans will have access to surrounding garages and lots for ...