{"id":278582,"date":"2026-09-04T01:36:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T01:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/278582\/"},"modified":"2026-09-04T01:36:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T01:36:15","slug":"pirates-sign-former-twins-outfielder-local-star","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/278582\/","title":{"rendered":"Pirates Sign Former Twins Outfielder, Local Star"},"content":{"rendered":"

PITTSBURGH \u2014 The Pittsburgh Pirates haven’t had any local players on the team this year, but they may have one in the near future.<\/p>\n

The Pirates signed Pittsburgh native and <\/a>outfielder Kyler Fedko to a minor league deal, per KDKA-TV sports anchor Rich Walsh<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Fedko most recently played for the Minnesota Twins, who designated him for assignment and released him on Sept. 1 after he tore his ACL.<\/p>\n

Walsh also reported that Fedko chose the Pirates over other offers and will focus on his rehab going forward.<\/p>\n

Pirates Sign Local Star<\/p>\n

Fedko hails from nearby Gibsonia, Pa., and played for Vincentian Academy, a co-ed Catholic High School in McCandless, Pa., that shut down in 2020. <\/p>\n

He led Vincentian to two PIAA titles in 2016 and 2018 and earned 2018 Max Preps All-American honors for hitting .661 as a senior, with 39 hits in 56 at-bats, 40 RBI, 14 doubles, five triples and eight home runs.<\/p>\n

\"Minnesota<\/p>\n

Jun 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder Kyler Fedko against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Fedko then played for UConn for three seasons, 2019-21, hitting .398\/.485\/.673 with an OPS of 1.158 as a junior in 2021, earning All-American honors.<\/p>\n

The Twins selected Fedko in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft<\/a> and spent six seasons in their farm system before making his MLB debut on June 15.<\/p>\n

Fedko had no hits in 16 at-bats with the Twins, with one run scored, one <\/a>RBI, two walks and eight strikeouts.<\/p>\n

He can play all three outfield spots and hit .252\/.357\/.431 for an OPS of .788 in 473 minor league games. <\/p>\n

Former Pirates Players With Local Ties<\/p>\n

The Pirates have had some former players from the WPIAL, or District 7 in the PIAA, including some of their recent stars.<\/p>\n

Closer David Bednar<\/a> pitched for the Pirates from 2021-25, a two-time All-Star who led the National League in saves in 2023 (39) and played for Mars High School in Mars, Pa., a northern suburb 20-25 miles from PNC Park.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Jul 28, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher David Bednar (51) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Second baseman Neil Walker<\/a> hails from Gibsonia, like Fedko, but starred for Pine-Richland High School before the Pirates selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2004 MLB Draft.<\/p>\n

Walker would go on and excel with the Pirates, playing seven seasons from 2009-15, leading the team to three straight postseasons, 2013-15, and won a Sliver Slugger Award in 2014.<\/p>\n

Pirates manager Don Kelly<\/a> is also a Pittsburgh native, playing for Mt. Lebanon High School, a southern suburb about seven miles from PNC Park, and played for the Pirates in 2007.<\/p>\n

Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates!<\/a><\/p>\n

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