Pirates Sign Outfielder Dominic Fletcher to Minor League Deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates just added some intrigue to their outfield, signing 28-year-old Dominic Fletcher to a minor league deal. He gets an invite to big league spring training, too.

It’s not a move that’ll make headlines, but it feels like a classic depth play. Fletcher is a glove-first outfielder with some major league time—maybe he quietly finds a niche on the 2025 Pirates roster.

Dominic Fletcher’s Road to Pittsburgh

Fletcher comes to Pittsburgh with a reputation built more on defense and versatility than any big offensive numbers. Over the last three seasons, he’s bounced between the big leagues and the minors with the Diamondbacks and White Sox.

He’s shown flashes here and there, but he hasn’t locked down a regular spot.

MLB Track Record: Limited Bat, Reliable Glove

In 112 major league games, Fletcher has logged 377 plate appearances. His numbers are modest: four homers, a 5.3% walk rate, and a .233/.280/.325 slash line.

Advanced stats put him at a 67 wRC+, so he’s been about 33% below league average offensively in that span.

His recent minor league numbers? Not much different. Since the start of 2024, he’s hit .256/.317/.432 with an 88 wRC+.

The power is fringe. His on-base skills are just okay. Honestly, nothing screams “offensive breakout” here.

Why the Pirates Still See Value

Why take a shot on Fletcher? It’s about defense and flexibility—two things teams like Pittsburgh always look for.

He’s played 872 2/3 innings in the majors, covering all three outfield spots. In that time, he’s put up:

Those numbers aren’t empty. Fletcher looks like a legit glove-first fourth outfielder, able to handle center and provide strong coverage in the corners.

If you’re trying to protect a late lead, having a guy like that can make all the difference.

How Fletcher Fits into the Pirates’ Outfield Picture

Pittsburgh’s outfield heading into spring is a mix of established names and question marks. The front office sees Fletcher as a competitor, not a lock for Opening Day.

Competition Around Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds

The Pirates have two everyday anchors: Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds. Cruz is set as a middle-of-the-diamond guy, and Reynolds is still one of the team’s most reliable bats and an outfield fixture.

Beyond those two, things are wide open. Fletcher will be fighting for a spot with:

Fletcher’s edge is his proven defense at all three outfield spots. Some of the others might hit more, but managers love a guy they can trust to catch the ball late, especially with young pitchers on the mound.

Contract Status and Roster Flexibility

Fletcher also fits well into the team’s long-term plans. If he makes it to Pittsburgh, he brings:

That’s the kind of depth piece teams want. The Pirates can move him between Triple-A and the majors as needed in 2025, without worrying about running out of options.

If he clicks, they hold his rights into his prime, and he won’t break the bank.

What This Move Says About the Pirates’ Approach

This signing feels like a classic move from a small-market front office. In today’s game, teams like the Pirates try to squeeze value from the edges wherever they can.

They aren’t expecting Dominic Fletcher to suddenly turn into a star. Instead, they’re hoping a solid defender with some experience and team control can stabilize the outfield and cover them if injuries or slumps hit.

If Fletcher’s bat improves even a little, he could be more than just a late-inning defensive guy. He might actually fit as a fourth outfielder on a decent roster.

And honestly, even if his offense doesn’t come around, his defense alone might still get him time in Pittsburgh’s outfield as the year goes on.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Pirates To Sign Dominic Fletcher To Minor League Deal