Say whatever you want about the Pittsburgh Pirates and them spending money at the major league level, there is no denying what they’ve invested in the draft and their international spending.
One such instance was when they signed Shalin Polanco to a $2.35 million signing bonus, which was the second highest total given out at the time.
The toolsy outfielder was rated as the 11th best international free agent by MLB Pipeline during the 2020-21 signing period.
He remained in the Dominican Summer League in 2021, where he struggled, slashing .204/.284/.338 with a 77 wRC+.