The Pirates announced the signings of a pair of veteran players who should give them more options in areas where there are open competitions and jobs to be won.
Catcher Kevin Plawecki and lefty Caleb Smith have both signed minor-league deals with invitations to spring training, the club announced Sunday.
Plawecki, 31, has been in the majors each of the last eight seasons, including making the Red Sox opening day roster as the backup catcher the last three years. While he graded poorly as a defender last year, being worth -10 defensive runs saved, he has a little bit of recent success as a hitter.