Major League dreams are alive and well – the Pittsburgh Pirates are giving seven promising players a golden opportunity to chase their big-league ambitions in the 2026 camp season! But here's where it gets exciting: these non-roster invitees aren't just fillers; they're a diverse group of talent that could potentially shake up the Pirates' lineup or pitching staff. If you're new to baseball, non-roster invitees are players who get invited to spring training without being on the official 40-man roster, offering a chance to impress coaches and earn a spot on the team. It's like a high-stakes audition for the majors, and this year, the Pirates are betting on some real contenders. Let's dive into who they are and why they might just steal the spotlight.
Starting with the pitching staff, right-handed pitcher Beau Burrows is stepping into the spotlight. Last season, he delivered a strong performance across multiple levels, going 3-3 with nine saves and a solid 2.94 ERA over 49 innings, allowing just 16 earned runs. He racked up 49 strikeouts and kept batters guessing with a 0.90 WHIP in 37 appearances, including one start. This experience spanned Low-A Bradenton, High-A Greensboro, Double-A Altoona, and Triple-A Indianapolis. At 29 years old, Burrows brings veteran insight, having pitched 17.2 innings in 11 Major League games – one as a starter – with Detroit in 2020-21 and Minnesota in 2021. Imagine the edge he could bring to a bullpen looking for reliability; it's the kind of steady arm that could turn heads in Pittsburgh.
Then there's outfielder Dominic Fletcher, whose power at the plate could be a game-changer. While he appeared in just 12 games with the Chicago White Sox last year, he dominated at Triple-A Charlotte, batting .260 with 105 hits in 404 at-bats, including 19 doubles, 17 home runs, and 68 RBI across 105 games. He ranked fourth in slugging percentage (.453) among all Chicago's full-season minor leaguers – a stat that shows his ability to drive the ball and create scoring chances. The 28-year-old has big-league experience, playing in 72 games for the White Sox in 2024 and debuting with Arizona in 2023, where he hit .301 with 28 hits in 93 at-bats, five doubles, two home runs, and 14 RBI over 28 games. For beginners, slugging percentage measures extra-base hits and home runs combined, highlighting Fletcher's knack for explosive offense. Could he be the Pirates' missing piece in the outfield? Many fans are buzzing about it.
Left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa rounds out the pitching invites with a track record of versatility. He made five appearances, tossing 6.2 innings with Cincinnati in 2025, but his bulk of the work came in the minors, where he posted a 3-2 record, 2.59 ERA over 48.2 innings (14 earned runs), 44 strikeouts, and a .197 batting average against in 49 outings split between Louisville (Reds' Triple-A) and Syracuse (Mets' Triple-A). His 49 appearances tied for sixth-most in the International League, showing his durability and role as a reliable lefty. At 27, La Sorsa has already notched 46 career Major League games with Tampa Bay (2023), Washington (2023-24), and Cincinnati (2025). Picture a pitcher who can handle high-pressure situations; that's La Sorsa, and he might just provide that southpaw edge the Pirates need. And this is the part most people miss – his minor-league workload could translate to stamina in the majors, making him a hidden gem.
Oddanier Mosqueda (pronounced 'oh dahn-YAIR' 'moh-SKAY-duh'), another left-handed hurler, brings sheer volume to the table. He spent the entire 2025 season with Memphis (Cardinals' Triple-A), compiling a 5-5 record with two saves, a 4.52 ERA over 65.2 innings (33 earned runs), and 68 strikeouts in 55 games. His 55 outings not only led the International League but ranked second among all minor-league pitchers – talk about endurance! The 26-year-old also racked up 55 appearances with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Yankees' Triple-A) in 2024, tying for sixth-most in all of Triple-A. For those unfamiliar, the International League is one of the top minor-league circuits, and Mosqueda's stats scream 'workhorse.' But here's where it gets controversial – while his workload is impressive, a 4.52 ERA might raise eyebrows about his command and effectiveness. Is he a diamond in the rough, or does his performance suggest he needs more refinement? Fans might debate whether the Pirates are taking a risk on raw potential versus proven results.
Right-handed pitcher Noah Murdock adds an intriguing backstory of perseverance. He struck out 21 batters in 17 innings with the Athletics in 2025 after being picked from Kansas City in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft. At 27, with 133 minor-league appearances over six seasons, he was sent back to the Royals in May and pitched for Triple-A Omaha until an injury ended his season in July. The Rule 5 Draft allows teams to select players from other organizations' rosters, often giving under-the-radar talents a chance – but it comes with the risk of being returned, as happened here. Murdock's journey highlights the grind of minor-league baseball; despite the setback, his strikeout prowess could make him a Pirates' bullpen asset. And this is the part most people overlook – injuries are common in this game, so how will Murdock bounce back? It's a reminder that baseball is as much about resilience as talent.
Outfielder Ronny Simon brings a mix of promise and challenge to the mix. He hit .233 with 7-for-30 in eight games with Pittsburgh last season after being claimed off waivers from Miami on June 2. Tragically, he dislocated his left shoulder in a game at Fenway Park on August 29, leading to labral surgery in October. The 25-year-old also saw action in 19 games with the Marlins in 2025. Waivers are a way teams can pick up players released by others, often for a fresh start, but Simon's injury history might make some scouts cautious. For beginners, labral surgery repairs shoulder damage, which can sideline players for months – yet, with proper rehab, he could return stronger. But here's where it gets controversial – betting on a player with recent surgery? Some might argue it's a bold move by the Pirates, while others question if it's too risky. Could Simon's speed and potential outweigh the health concerns?
Finally, infielder Davis Wendzel adds depth to the position players. He spent most of 2025 with Louisville, smashing 13 home runs and driving in 53 runs in 94 games, plus four rehab appearances with the Reds' High-A affiliate in Dayton. The 28-year-old was traded from Texas to Cincinnati in July 2024 after 27 games with the Rangers earlier that year. Rehab games are short stints for players recovering from injuries, showing Wendzel's proactive approach to staying sharp. His power numbers make him a potential upgrade for the Pirates' infield, where versatility can be key. As an example, a player like Wendzel could fill gaps in a lineup needing more punch, similar to how mid-season acquisitions have boosted teams in the past.
There you have it – the Pittsburgh Pirates' seven non-roster invitees for 2026, each with their own story of talent, trials, and triumphs. But here's the big question: With such varied backgrounds, from injury comebacks to high workloads, do you think any of these players will secure a spot on the Pirates' opening day roster? Or are the Pirates playing it safe with these invites? Share your opinions, agreements, or disagreements in the comments – I'd love to hear if you see a future star here or if there's a counterpoint I'm missing. Let's discuss!
