BRADENTON, Fla. — When the Pirates traded Josh Bell to the Nationals within the winter of 2020, they acquired two very various kinds of pitchers in return. One was Wil Crowe, a Main League-ready prospect. The opposite was Eddy Yean, a 19-year-old full unknown with solely 10 video games of Rookie Ball expertise. If one looked for movies on-line on the time, the most well-liked video was not Yean pitching however relatively him flipping tractor tires in a exercise video.
It’s been a protracted street by means of the Pirates’ farm system since that commerce, however the now-23-year-old right-hander is in Main League camp. Friday afternoon provided a style of his potential, as Yean recorded the ultimate six outs to shut the Pirates’ 3-2 win over the Phillies at LECOM Park, putting out a pair.
Protected to say that save will function a greater spotlight video than flipping tires.
“I’ve been working so exhausting to be identified, and eventually, I’ve acquired the prospect,” stated Yean, by way of coach and interpreter Stephen Morales, after chuckling whereas remembering that video. “I’m grateful to have the prospect to indicate myself and present what I can do.”
Friday was a small pattern of what Yean can do on the mound. He has two fastballs, a two-seamer and four-seamer that each sit round 94-97 mph, with the latter being a troublesome pitch to hit when it’s within the higher third of the strike zone. He additionally has a changeup and a slider that will get good spin (averaging about 2,500 RPM), however the fastball is the calling card. When Yean is ready to hit his spots, particularly within the higher third, the outcomes can communicate for themselves, like his 5 fastball whiffs Friday.
“I’ve been engaged on that, and I do know I can get lots of people out up there,” Yean stated. “That was one of many fundamental focuses final yr, to work the highest a part of the strike zone and go in with the sinker. It’s working to this point.”
“He throws strikes,” supervisor Derek Shelton stated. “I imply, there’s 97 [mph] in there, and that is an enormous, imposing determine. Simply continues to get higher and has carried out a pleasant job for us within the Minor Leagues.”
It’s been a sluggish rise by means of the Minors for Yean however one which has picked up steam in recent times. He earned a really temporary callup to Triple-A Indianapolis on the finish of final season, posting a 3.36 ERA and 69 strikeouts over 75 innings between there and Double-A Altoona earlier than making a cease within the Arizona Fall League.
Yean was set to be a Minor League free agent on the finish of the season, however he re-upped with the Pirates this winter. The camaraderie that he’s skilled whereas arising by means of the system to his first Main League Spring Coaching is a purpose why.
“One factor that has stood out this yr is the reference to my teammates, the help of my teammates,” Yean stated. “They’re not letting me on the market in the midst of nowhere. They’ve been actually supportive and are at all times making an attempt to assist me. I like that concerning the workforce. I really feel like I’m related to the entire clubhouse.”
Not like veteran relievers on Minor League contracts with non-roster invites to Main League camp, Yean may be reassigned to the Minors if he doesn’t break camp with the membership. Contemplating he solely had two appearances with Indianapolis final yr, that looks like the most definitely final result.
But when Friday is an indicator, a 2025 promotion might be within the playing cards, and the long-shot half of the Bell commerce might ultimately hit 5 years later.
“I’m giving my 100% simply to verify I put myself in a great spot,” Yean stated. “The workforce will decide, and no matter it’s, I’ll be pleased for it, however we’re working actually exhausting to perform that and make the workforce.”
