Darwin Baez

DARWIN BAEZ, CATCHER
Born: November 6, 2000
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 186
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Signed: Int’l Free Agent, 2018
Acquired: International Free Agent
Country: Dominican Republic
Agent: N/A

WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE
The Pirates signed Baez late in the 2017-18 international signing period.  He’s a catcher but has also played a lot at first.

2018
DSL:  205/254/277, 166 AB, 7 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 11 BB, 36 K, 2-3 SB

Baez struggled to hit in his first season.  He started 27 games behind the plate and seven at first, and threw out 31% of base stealers.

2019
DSL:  263/313/403, 236 AB, 16 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 15 BB, 36 K, 2-2 SB

Baez played regularly, but spent a little more time at first than behind the plate.  He threw out 29% of base stealers.  He made progress at bat, showing solid power and cutting down on his K rate.

2020
DNP

2021
R:  231/328/327, 52 AB, 1 3B, 1 HR, 7 BB, 15 K, 1-2 SB

Baez saw some action with both of the Pirates’ FCL affiliates, splitting his time between catcher and first.  He held his own at the plate.

2022
A:  200/333/200, 10 AB, 2 BB, 4 K

Baez spent nearly all season on the development list.  He surfaced for just three games with Bradenton.

The elimination of two whole levels from the minors has, at least with the Pirates, increased the phenomenon of organizational players who appear only a little.  That’s Baez’ situation now.

CONTRACT INFORMATION
2023: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2018
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2024
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2022
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
April 14, 2018: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.