January 15 marked the opening of the MLB International Signing Period, the annual date when international amateur players can officially begin their professional baseball careers. On this year’s signing day, Acevedo Academy announced that Neomar Urbina, a right-handed pitcher from Venezuela, has signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Urbina brings an imposing physical profile to the mound, standing 6’6” and weighing 190 pounds, with the type of size and leverage that professional organizations value in long-term pitching development. Originally from Venezuela, he has continued to develop through structured training focused on mechanics, strength, and pitch efficiency.
“Neomar’s size immediately stands out, but what separates him is how he moves and how he continues to develop his delivery,” said Acevedo Academy representatives. “He has the foundation teams look for when projecting power arms at the professional level.”
International Signing Day is often called International Day of Joy throughout Latin America, as it represents the moment when years of preparation become official. Although many agreements are discussed well ahead of time, contracts are only finalized once the signing period opens and Major League Baseball approvals are completed.
Acevedo Academy’s primary training facility is based in the Dominican Republic, while maintaining an active international development footprint connected to the United States and talent-rich countries such as Venezuela. The academy continues to focus on identifying, developing, and preparing pitchers for the demands of professional baseball.
For Urbina, signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates marks the beginning of his professional journey — one built on size, potential, and the opportunity to grow within a Major League organization known for developing young arms.
