The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed another later round draft pick, this time it’s 27th round pick Kevin Kleis. Kleis is out of the JuCo ranks, playing for Grossmont College last year. He only pitched 16.1 innings in relief, and while he had a good 7.2 K/9 ratio, his control struggled. Kleis does have a huge frame, at 6′ 8″, 225 pounds, which makes him an interesting option. He’s also only 18 years old, turning 19 in late August, so this is almost like a high school signing.
The draft pick signing tracker is updated with the signing. The Pirates have now signed 18 draft picks, including three this past week. Logan Pevny, who I reported as being signed over the weekend, and Bryton Trepagnier, who I reported as being signed on Monday, should report to Bradenton sometime today, so expect those official announcements soon. Kleis will be a day or two behind, although his official announcement could come with Pevny and Trepagnier.
