2023 Minor League Transaction Thread

[Mass Haas]

First, a link to the 2022 Post All-Star Break Transaction Thread

The first transaction of 2023 has merited a thread of its own, which is fine, as we'd prefer this thread to focus almost solely on the transaction notations themselves.

OF Lamar Sparks Signed out of Pioneer (MLB Indy Partner) League

[Joseph Zarr]

Let's go 2023!

<Coughs...auditorium is quiet>

• RHP Joseph Hernandez (acquired in RHP Justin Topa to Seattle trade) was assigned to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

* Hernandez had a heck of a year in Low-A Modesto for the Mariners org in 2023: 116 2/3 IP / 21 HB / 54 BB / 143 K / .193 BAA / 1.14 WHIP / 3.39 ERA w 9-5 overall...that's enough to be excited about what might be jumping into the T-Rats staff

 

[markedman5]

 

[Mass Haas]

As first reported here:

And then available in reported article form here, if your browser supports translation:

28-year-old RHP Pedro Fernandez was a Kansas City Royal farmhand from 2012 through 2018, after which he qualified for minor league free agency. In those seven seasons, which topped out at AAA Omaha, Fernandez appeared in 150 games, 64 as a starter, posting a 3.50 ERA and 1.234 WHIP.

The native of the Dominican Republic would pitch in the offensively charged Mexican League in 2019 (13 appearances, five of them starts), struggling to an 8.27 ERA.

Fernandez did not pitch in 2020 (understandable), nor 2021, before resurfacing back in Mexico this past season, where he pitched well enough with Tigres de Quintana Roo, leading the entire league in strikeouts, making 17 starts (4.42 ERA).

Likely also catching the Brewers eye, Fernandez has made ten starts with a 2.50 ERA in Dominican Winter Ball and made the winter league All-Star Team with Gigantes del Cibao. He continues to pitch with them in the league's postseason round robin.

Need video? How about very recent video?

Via MLB Film Room, a good luck at Fernandez' pitch mix in a six-inning start highlight package from January 4th in the DWL.

[Joseph Zarr]

On 1/9/2023 at 12:09 PM, markedman5 said:

 

Following up here:

VanMeter was officially assigned to the Nashville Sounds.

I would also like to quickly add, when your team acquires a player nicknamed 'Meat Sauce', regardless of results, it is cause for celebration.

[Joseph Zarr]

Closing the loop from RHP Trevor Kelley's outright assignment to Nashville:

- Kelly cleared waivers and rejected the assignment and has opted to test the Minor League free agency waters.

More in depth coverage of Kelley's ongoing efforts to find success at the MLB level HERE

 

[Joseph Zarr]

Another hard-throwing reliever into the mix with a Minor League deal (as noted by @Ron Robinsons Beard HERE - for greater conversation please visit that thread):

Brazilian born Thyago Vieira signed

** Updated to Add: Vieira has officially been assigned to the Nashville Sounds to start his 2023 affiliated season.

[Joseph Zarr]

On 1/5/2023 at 1:14 AM, Mass Haas said:

First, a link to the 2022 Post All-Star Break Transaction Thread

The first transaction of 2023 has merited a thread of its own, which is fine, as we'd prefer this thread to focus almost solely on the transaction notations themselves.

OF Lamar Sparks Signed out of Pioneer (MLB Indy Partner) League

Closing this loop (for now):

Sparks was officially assigned to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers to start his affiliated season.

[Joseph Zarr]

For a complete list of all the International Signings on Day 1 of the signing period (officially signed on 1/15/2023) please visit this page:

Brewers Busy on Day 1 of 2023 International Free Agent Signing Period

[Joseph Zarr]

RHP Moises Gomez has been activated by the ACL Brewers Blue.

It would appear the talented hurler is officially coming out of his brief affiliated retirement. 

[Mass Haas]

The Brewers have dipped again into the independent league relief pitcher pipeline, dipping to nab a fireballer able to hit 98 MPH in a new workout program (Instagram Link).

Not just that, but it's the same Frontier League Schaumburg Boomers team that brings RHP Tanner Shears to the Crew's system as had big leaguer Jake Cousins, 2022 standout and Arizona Fall Leaguer Ryan Middendorf and fall signee LHP Darrell Thompson previously. Injuries derailed another Boomer - Brewer connection in RHP Alec Kenilvort.

Full press release here:

SHEARS JOINING BREWERS
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2023 BY TIM CALDERWOOD

Prior roster page from the University of Illinois-Chicago

Congrats to Tanner!

[Mass Haas]

Thyago Vieira, Lamar Sparks, Tanner Spears - Brewers on a fantastic run of great new name values in the organization - hopefully they translate to great stat lines as well!

[Joseph Zarr]

On 1/10/2023 at 4:02 AM, Mass Haas said:

As first reported here:

And then available in reported article form here, if your browser supports translation:

28-year-old RHP Pedro Fernandez was a Kansas City Royal farmhand from 2012 through 2018, after which he qualified for minor league free agency. In those seven seasons, which topped out at AAA Omaha, Fernandez appeared in 150 games, 64 as a starter, posting a 3.50 ERA and 1.234 WHIP.

The native of the Dominican Republic would pitch in the offensively charged Mexican League in 2019 (13 appearances, five of them starts), struggling to an 8.27 ERA.

Fernandez did not pitch in 2020 (understandable), nor 2021, before resurfacing back in Mexico this past season, where he pitched well enough with Tigres de Quintana Roo, leading the entire league in strikeouts, making 17 starts (4.42 ERA).

Likely also catching the Brewers eye, Fernandez has made ten starts with a 2.50 ERA in Dominican Winter Ball and made the winter league All-Star Team with Gigantes del Cibao. He continues to pitch with them in the league's postseason round robin.

Need video? How about very recent video?

Via MLB Film Room, a good luck at Fernandez' pitch mix in a six-inning start highlight package from January 4th in the DWL.

Just following up here, Fernández was officially assigned to the Nashville Sounds today (1/24/2023).

[Joseph Zarr]

On 1/22/2023 at 8:08 AM, Mass Haas said:

The Brewers have dipped again into the independent league relief pitcher pipeline, dipping to nab a fireballer able to hit 98 MPH in a new workout program (Instagram Link).

Not just that, but it's the same Frontier League Schaumburg Boomers team that brings RHP Tanner Shears to the Crew's system as had big leaguer Jake Cousins, 2022 standout and Arizona Fall Leaguer Ryan Middendorf and fall signee LHP Darrell Thompson previously. Injuries derailed another Boomer - Brewer connection in RHP Alec Kenilvort.

Full press release here:

SHEARS JOINING BREWERS
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2023 BY TIM CALDERWOOD

Prior roster page from the University of Illinois-Chicago

Congrats to Tanner!

Following up:

Shears will begin his affiliated season at High-A Wisconsin. A short journey North for the fireballer. 

[Joseph Zarr]

The Brewers have officially released 1B Jon Singleton. He had been designated for assignment to Nashville when INF Brian Anderson signed with the club as a FA.

More details here: 

Big Jon Takes His Talents Elsewhere in 2023

[Joseph Zarr]

OF Skye Bolt and familiar face RHP Colin Rea have been invited to Spring Training on Minor League contract deals:

More details HERE

[Joseph Zarr]

On 1/22/2023 at 8:23 AM, Mass Haas said:

Thyago Vieira, Lamar Sparks, Tanner Spears - Brewers on a fantastic run of great new name values in the organization - hopefully they translate to great stat lines as well!

Add Skye Bolt to the treasure trove. 

[Joseph Zarr]

Welcome back, OF Monte Harrison! The Brewers have officially signed Harrison to a Minor League contract with an invite to Spring Training. He was assigned to the Nashville Sounds where he will help add depth to an already talent-laden pool of young outfield prospects.

After spending 2021 with Jacksonville and the Jumbo Shrimp in the International League, Harrison spent last season in the Angels organization and the PCL with their Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake. He did grab some cups of coffee with the Big Club in late June into July where he was given a grand total of 14 AB's. 

Regardless, I'm excited to see Harrison back with the organization! 

More In-Depth Analysis Here (MLB Trade Rumors write-up)

 

[Mass Haas]

 

[Mass Haas]

 

[Mass Haas]

On 1/22/2023 at 11:08 AM, Mass Haas said:

The Brewers have dipped again into the independent league relief pitcher pipeline, dipping to nab a fireballer able to hit 98 MPH in a new workout program (Instagram Link).

Not just that, but it's the same Frontier League Schaumburg Boomers team that brings RHP Tanner Shears to the Crew's system as had big leaguer Jake Cousins, 2022 standout and Arizona Fall Leaguer Ryan Middendorf and fall signee LHP Darrell Thompson previously. Injuries derailed another Boomer - Brewer connection in RHP Alec Kenilvort.

Full press release here:

SHEARS JOINING BREWERS
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2023 BY TIM CALDERWOOD

Prior roster page from the University of Illinois-Chicago

Congrats to Tanner!

If there's one thing we've learned, it's pay attention when the #Brewers go the undrafted route when signing potential high octane relief arms with developable pitchability.

Here's the new feature article out:

 

[Joseph Zarr]

Good news here in early February:

1B Jon Singleton has re-signed a Minor League contract with an invite to Spring Training. He will be starting his 2023 season (most likely) with the Nashville Sounds. 

This is fantastic!

Also in that tweet thread is the update that C Jeferson Quero has been invited to Spring Training. The rise and recognition in the organization continues its lofty trajectory - rightfully so.

Lastly, OF Antony Gomez was assigned to the DSL Brewers 1.

[Mass Haas]

NOT A TRANSACTION, just a note (we'll see):

RHP Lance Lusk, 24, had a nice 2022 at Sam Houston State, and then the independent Atlantic League, as shown at the link.

Brewers are relentless in pursuing off-the-radar (pun semi-intended) fireballing relief arms.

Lusk hits 96 MPH within this clip:
 

 Good luck to Lusk and the Brewers regarding the showcase / tryout.

[brewmann04]

Brewers love their Independent Arms

[Joseph Zarr]

We have two recent Minor League free agent signings - 17 yo Dominican RHP Johan Zapata (listed 5'11" and 160 lbs) and 18 yo Venezuelan Lefty OF Brian Sanchez (listed 6'3" and 170 lbs) . Both players have been assigned to the DSL Brewers 1. Hopefully, we'll hear and observe good things in those summertime DSL box scores!