Ex-Twins outfielder signs Minor League contract with Pirates

admin | November 22, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Former Minnesota Twins outfielder Gilberto Celestino was signed by the Pirates as their first free agent of the offseason on a Minor League contract.

Between 2021 and 2022, Celestino, 24, played in 145 games for the Twins, batting.222 with four home runs and 24 RBI. 2023 was lost to him due to thumb surgery.

Even though he doesn’t have great offensive numbers, his defense is what makes him most famous. Along with his versatility as an outfield player. According to Baseball Savant, people are drawn to his arm. He ranks 74th in fielding run value (4), 83rd in arm value (2), and 93rd percentile in arm strength (92.4).

To be honest, I have no idea what to think. Although it’s early in the offseason, it seems highly dubious that this is Ben Cherington’s first move only a few weeks into the season.

In addition, don’t the Pirates already have enough inadequate depth in the outfield? Though this could have been done after a few big signings? Sure, you could strike another Joshua Palacios-type player and stash him in the minors until a potential injury arises.

Celestino is presumably a decent man who could give the minors some depth, but I sincerely hope that over the course of the next few days, some bigger and better names are added.

Perhaps I ought to move on before the comments section. THE SAME OLD PIRATES! Spend money, make money! HA HA HA!