Pirates Prospects has learned that the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed 1B/OF Connor MacDonald to a minor league contract on Tuesday. MacDonald was released by the Houston Astros this past July. Before being released, he had reached High-A ball after being signed as an international (Australia) free agent in 2014. He hit .252/.339/.387 in 150 total minor league games with the Astros.
MacDonald has an extensive track record in the Australian Baseball League, where he is currently playing. This is his sixth season of ABL play and he turns 22 years old in late February. His winter performance under Sydney manager Tony Harris, who is also a scout for the Pirates, helped MacDonald get back into pro ball.