MiLB: Recent notable minor-league signings as the MLB lockout ends

While the league and the MLBPA have taken their time in agreeing to a deal (although one was reportedly agreed to while this article was being written), there continues to be a large amount of minor-league signings around the league. We recently covered the San Diego Padres’ signing of infielder-turned-catcher Mitch Walding, here are some other notable minor-league signings of the past week.

Toronto Blue Jays sign infielder Eric Stamets to MiLB deal on March 4

Eric Stamets has just 48 plate appearances in the major leagues to his name, all back in 2019 with the then-Cleveland Indians. Now 30 years old, Stamets has latched on with the Toronto Blue Jays and could potentially see some time on the big league roster in 2022. Stamets is currently behind only a few players in Toronto on the positional depth chart in the middle infield.

Boston Red Sox sign pitcher Silvino Bracho to MiLB deal on March 6

The Boston Red Sox have been very active on the minor-league free agent pitching market recently; signing Geoff Hartlieb, Tyler Danish, Taylor Cole, Michael Feliz and, most recently, Silvino Bracho to MiLB contracts. Bracho, 29, has 92 big league appearances under his belt, all coming out of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ bullpen from 2015-2020. He is a high-strikeout pitcher but struggles with the walk and longball.

Los Angeles Dodgers sign utilityman Ty Kelly to MiLB deal on March 6

As announced by well … himself, Ty Kelly has signed on with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kelly, 33, is a switch-hitting utilityman capable of playing virtually any spot on the diamond. He retired at the conclusion of the 2020 season but has since un-retired and made appearances in the Mariners’ minor-league system as well as the Long Island Ducks. Kelly is a veteran of three seasons in the big leagues, hit 3 home runs in 188 plate appearances.

Philadelphia Phillies sign pitcher James Marvel to MiLB deal on March 8

The Philadelphia Phillies, like the Red Sox, have been stockpiling minor-league pitchers and greatly improving their depth, recently signing Kyle Dohy, Jake Newberry, Andrew Bellatti, Cam Bedrosian, Aaron Barrett and, now, James Marvel to MiLB contracts. Marvel’s only major league experience to date is a four-start showing for the Pirates back in 2019. He will be strictly organizational depth for the Phillies.

Kansas City Royals sign pitcher Daniel Mengden to MiLB deal on March 8

Daniel Mengden will join Brad Peacock as the Kansas City Royals’ newest arms. Mengden, a longtime starting pitcher for the Athletics, will join a pitcher-heavy Royals organization but may have an inside track to a promotion if injuries arise. Mengden, 29, is not much of a strikeout pitcher and has struggled recently with walks and home runs.

Chicago White Sox sign pitcher Jhan Marinez to MiLB deal on March 8

Jhan Marinez has 103 appearances and 134 of big league experience under his belt and has bounced around all over the league since debuting all the way back in 2010 at the age of 21 for the Marlins. Marinez does a good job of limiting home runs and is a major groundball pitcher who will provide organizational depth for the Chicago White Sox.

Toronto Blue Jays sign pitcher Joe Biagini to MiLB deal on March 10

Joe Biagini is returning to the organization he made his big league debut with, the Toronto Blue Jays. Biagini, 31, spent the first four seasons of his professional career in Toronto serving as both a starting pitcher and a relief pitcher. He limits walks well and strikes out a good amount of hitters faced but will most likely be low on the depth chart due to the presence of solid arms in the high-minors for the Blue Jays.

Other players with major league experience latching on with MiLB deals include the Padres signing RHP Tayler Scott, the Phillies signing OF John Andreoli and the Mariners signing LHP Kyle Bird.