Pirates sign Wild Things player
The Pittsburgh Pirates have purchased the contract of 2017 Frontier League All-Star Game MVP and outfielder Bralin Jackson from the Washington Wild Things.
Jackson becomes the fourth outfielder from the Frontier League to be purchased by a big-league organization in 2017, joining Southern Illinois’ Brandon Cummins, Schaumburg’s Daniel Hoy and River City’s Jimmy Kerigan.
“My time in Washington was great. I couldn’t have asked for better teammates and coaches,” said Jackson. “We had a great family atmosphere and it translated every night onto the field. Knowing the Pirates signed me makes my time in Washington even better, because the Pirates have such a strong impact on the city, and I can’t wait to be a part of that.”
Jackson is the 36th player to have his contract purchased in the team’s history, which is over two per year on average. Jackson is the first since pitchers Zac Grotz and Trevor Foss were purchased by the Dodgers and Indians, respectively, in 2016.
Drafted in the 5th round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft out of Raytown South High School in Missouri, Jackson played five affiliated-ball seasons before his release from the Tampa Bay Rays organization. During his time in that farm system, Jackson made it as far as Advanced-A ball with the Charlotte Stone Crabs, and hit .254 with 10 home runs and 109 RBI collectively. He had 53 steals and 75 extra-base hits with the Rays.
“Bralin was a driving force, on and off the field, behind a season where our explosive offense pushed us into the playoffs,” said general manager Steven Zavacky. “His impact on our roster will carry on and better prepare players for a championship run in 2018. We wish Bralin the best of luck with the Pirates and hope our fans and Pittsburgh baseball fans alike follow his journey like we will.”
The Wild Things have had three former players appear on a big-league roster: Vidal Nuño, Tom Cochran and Chris Smith.
In 2017 with Washington, Jackson hit .294 with 17 doubles, three triples and 16 home runs. His home run total was tied for the fifth-best in the league, and his 76 RBI ranked second in the league behind only Evansville’s Jeff Gardner.
“My time in Washington was a big growth period for me as a baseball player. It helped me learn a lot about myself and even more about the game,” said Jackson. “I know the importance of taking care of your body and being an all-round professional.”