The Jews of Spring Training, 2018

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[updated 3/18/2018]

By Scott Barancik, Editor

At least 19 Jewish players have been invited to MLB Spring Training camp this year via their club’s active roster, 40-man roster, or as a non-roster invitee.

Twelve players with Major League experience are on the list, including 2017 World Series standouts Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros and Joc Pederson of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Two of the three pitchers who made their MLB debuts in 2017 — Ryan Sherriff of the St. Louis Cardinals and Max Fried of the Atlanta Braves — received formal summons to Major League camp as non-roster invitees.

The nine minor-leaguers on the list include:

  • Cincinnati Reds prospect Zack Weiss, a right-handed reliever who was named Most Likely Call-Up (Pitcher) in the 2017 Minor-League Awards.
  • San Diego Padres prospect Robert Stock, a 2009 draft pick who switched from catching to pitching in 2012 and earned Best Comeback (Pitcher) honors in the 2017 Minor-League Awards.
  • New York Mets prospect Zach Borenstein, a left fielder who was named Most Likely Call-Up (Position Player) in the 2017 Minor-League Awards.
  • Los Angeles Angels prospect Michael Barash, a catcher drafted in 2016. He has the least pro baseball experience of the nine minor-leaguers.

Four athletes in MLB Spring Training camp played for Team Israel in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, including Borenstein, Ryan Lavarnway of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland A’s prospect Jeremy Bleich, and Philadelphia Phillies prospect Nick Rickles.

Danny Valencia recently signed a minor-league contract with the Baltimore Orioles and was invited to the club’s Spring Training on 3/4/2018. Scott Feldman remains a free agent.

Some additional Jewish catchers and pitchers who were not formally invited to MLB Spring Training are nonetheless getting a chance to be there prior to minor-league camp. Examples include Cody Decker (who played for Team Israel), Brad Goldberg, Scott Manea, Matthew Gorst and Adam Walton.

And now, the full MLB Spring Training list:

[table id=123 /]

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