Pirates issue non-roster invitations for Spring Training

First-round picks, quickly-rising prospects headline the list.

With pitchers and catchers set to report to Spring Training in less than two weeks, the Pittsburgh Pirates issued their list of non-roster invitees on Thursday:

Some notable names on the list are former first-round picks Termarr Johnson, who cracks the spring roster less than a year after he was drafted; Henry Davis, who comes off a season plagued with injuries; Nick Gonzales; and Quinn Priester.

There were also some surprises both on and off the list.

One was infielder Chris Owings, who the Pirates signed shortly before the list was announced. The 31-year-old has 10 years of experience in the MLB, appearing for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies and, most recently, the Baltimore Orioles.

Last year with Baltimore, he slashed .107/.254/.143 and tallied 24 strikeouts in 56 at-bats.

Another surprise addition — depending on how you view it — is infielder Andres Alvarez.

The 25-year-old surprised many fans last year by producing the first 20-20 season with Double-A Altoona. He also slashed .220/.339/.429 in 110 games and was considered a prospect “on the rise” by MLB.com.

One of the surprise omissions was first baseman and designated hitter Mason Martin, who hit just .210 with Triple-A Indianapolis last season. He appeared in 134 games last year and hit 19 home runs in 74 RBIs.

Also, let’s not forget this beauty from last Spring Training:

Plate discipline was his Achilles Heel, however, as he struck out a career-high 194 times.

The Spring Training roster stands at 65 and it’s unclear if more players will be invited.

Not included on the list are previously-mentioned invitees Miguel Andujar, Tyler Heineman, Tyler Chatwood, Nate Webb, Daniel Zamora, Rob Zastryny, and Angel Perdomo.