Spring Training squad

At least 15 Jewish players are at MLB camps

February 26, 2021 (Friday)

By Scott Barancik, editor

(NOTE: This article was updated on March 6, 2021.)

At least 15 least Jewish players are participating in Spring Training with a Major League team this season.

Some are familiar names, including LF Joc Pederson (Cubs), CF Kevin Pillar (Mets), 3B Alex Bregman (Astros) and P Richard Bleier (Marlins). Both Pederson and Pillar are playing on new clubs.

Four of the 14 at Major League camp this Spring — C Ryan Lavarnway (Indians), P Kenny Rosenberg (Rays), P Jake Fishman (Marlins) and OF Hunter Bishop (OF) — are there as non-roster invitees.

Rosenberg, a Spring Training newbie, went 11-4 in 2019 with a 3.29 ERA for Tampa Bay’s Double-A affiliate and appeared in one Triple-A game.

P Sam Delaplane (Mariners), who ranked #9 on FanGraphs’ 2020 list of the top Seattle prospects, will be appearing at his second big-league Spring Training.

Two Major Leaguers currently in free-agent status will be missing from the diamond.

LF Ryan Braun, who has spent his entire 14-year career with the Brewers, told MLB.com two weeks ago: “I’m continuing to work out and stay in shape, but I’m not currently interested in playing. I am enjoying my family and focused on other business interests for now but appreciate the interest I’ve received and will continue to regularly stay in touch with the Brewers.”

P Rob Kaminsky, who made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 2020 and finished 0-0 with a 1.93 ERA and one hold, was granted free agency in November and has yet to sign with another franchise.

Here is the full list of known players: