BRADENTON, FL — Army West Point baseball alum Derek Berg is getting his first taste of big-league camp.
Berg, a catcher and West Point Class of 2024 graduate, has been selected to Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Spring Training as a non-roster invitee, the club announced this week. He will report to camp in Bradenton with major league pitchers and catchers the week of February 11.
For Berg, the invitation is more than a line on a transaction sheet — it’s a clear signal that the Pirates see him as a fast-rising piece in their system, and it’s another milestone for an Army program that continues to produce pros.
A fast climb through the system
Berg enters his second full season in the Pirates’ organization after a 2025 campaign that showcased both his versatility and the club’s confidence in his development.
A season ago, Berg appeared at three levels — Single-A Bradenton, High-A Greensboro, and Double-A Altoona — finishing the year at Double-A, one of the clearest indicators a player is trending toward the big-league conversation.
Drafted in 2024, now on the MLB camp radar
In 2024, Berg was selected by Pittsburgh in the 10th round (No. 294 overall) of the MLB Draft, becoming the 21st West Point graduate to be drafted in Major League Baseball.
Now, less than two years later, he’ll be catching bullpens and competing alongside major leaguers at LECOM Park — a chance to prove he belongs, to absorb the pace and expectations of the highest level, and to keep pushing his timeline forward.
From West Point winner to pro opportunity
Berg’s pro path was built on winning.
As a senior, he helped lead the Black Knights of Army to its sixth consecutive Patriot League Tournament title and another NCAA Regional appearance, continuing a run that has defined the Black Knights as one of the most consistent programs in the Northeast.
That same edge — preparation, toughness, and the ability to handle pressure — is exactly what translates for a catcher, and it’s why Berg’s name keeps showing up in the right places.
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What the invite means
A non-roster invite isn’t a guarantee — it’s an opportunity.
It’s early work with the big-league staff, it’s game reps against major-league caliber arms. Being given a chance to show you can manage a staff, control the running game, and deliver professional at-bats against the best competition you’ll see all year.
And for Berg, it’s the next step in a climb that’s already moving quickly.
For more information on Pirates Spring Training at LECOM Park, visit: https://www.mlb.com/pirates/spring-training
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