Kyler Fedko is returning home. The Pittsburgh Pirates are signing Fedko, a Pennsylvania native, to a minor-league deal, according to KDKA-TV's Rich Walsh. The Twins designated Fedko for assignment and released him on Tuesday to make room on the 40-man roster for September call-up Ben Ross.
Fedko has been on the injured list since mid-August after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL, MCL and LCL in his left knee, according to Bobby Nightengale of The Minnesota Star Tribune. Fedko will continue his rehab with the Pirates organization.
BREAKING: Kyler Fedko is coming home. @KylerFedko4 and the @Pirates just agreed to a minor league deal. Kyler became a free agent after the Twins took him off their 40-man roster after tearing his ACL. The outfielder picked the Bucs over numerous other MLB offers. Kyler is the…
— Rich Walsh KDKA (@RichieWalsh) September 3, 2026
After several inconsistent years in the minors, Fedko finally broke out over the past two seasons, posting an .854 OPS between Double-A and Triple-A in 2025 and a .907 OPS in Triple-A this season. The Twins selected his contract on June 15 as a corresponding move to designating Orlando Arcia for assignment. He remained on the Twins' active roster through July 10 but failed to collect a hit with the team. In his defense, he received just 16 at-bats with Minnesota.
It made sense why Minnesota cut Fedko loose. While Fedko has posted strong minor-league numbers over the past two years, the Twins have an abundance of young, talented outfielders. It's doubtful the Twins viewed Fedko as part of their long-term plans. Hopefully, the outfielder will be given a longer look in the majors with the Pirates next season.
As a Pennsylvania native, Fedko is likely very happy he joined the Pirates. His dad, John Fedko, is a former Pittsburgh sports anchor, so there's a strong chance the young outfielder grew up rooting for the Pirates.
How will the Pirates use former Twins OF Kyler Fedko?
It'll be interesting to see how the Pirates use Fedko next year. It seems unlikely Pittsburgh will enter the season with Fedko as a starting big-league outfielder, but he could earn an everyday role in the event of an injury.
Fedko's ability to hit southpaws may have been what caught the Pirates' attention. Fedko, a right-handed hitter, slashed a remarkable .317/.430/.646 with six home runs over 82 at-bats against left-handers this year. Meanwhile, he hit .235/.310/.460 in 200 at-bats against right-handers.
Considering most of those at-bats against right-handers came in the minor leagues, it's unlikely Fedko will find success as an everyday starter in the majors. However, he could have a solid career as a platoon player. Regardless of how his future looks, Fedko has proved he deserves another chance in the big leagues.
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