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Pirates Sign China's Mingxuan Zhang, Future Star Pitcher

1/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed 17-year-old Chinese pitcher Mingxuan Zhang during the 2026 International Signing Period, making him the first China-born player in this period since Zimo Qin in 2021-22.
He is 6-foot-7 and projects a fastball into the mid-90s with a promising slider.
The Pirates aim to develop his skills, having secured several top prospects.
The Pirates also signed Wilton Guerrero Jr. for $1.95 million and Jeancer Custodio for $900,000.

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Story summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed 17-year-old Chinese pitcher Mingxuan Zhang during the 2026 International Signing Period, making him the first China-born player in this period since Zimo Qin in 2021-22.
He is 6-foot-7 and projects a fastball into the mid-90s with a promising slider.
The Pirates aim to develop his skills, having secured several top prospects.
The Pirates also signed Wilton Guerrero Jr. for $1.95 million and Jeancer Custodio for $900,000.