Pittsburgh Pirates Top 30 Prospects: Ranking 12-7

Over the last few weeks, we have been breaking down our top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.  Next up will be numbers 12-7, with three players who can help contribute this season, former first rounds picks, and a player the club acquired in a trade.

Neal Huntington had to build up the farm system when he became the club’s general manager.  He’s done a solid job and has watched players develop, and has the farm consistently ranked in the upper third.  He’s drafted a range of prep arms to college bats early, focusing more on college bats the last few seasons.  The team has also collected some talent in the system through trades.

The team has also done well in Latin America.  Scout Rene Gayo has signed current Pirate leaguers Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco.  The Pirates also have five international signings in our 30-13 rankings: Jose Osuna, Alen Hanson, Yeudy Garcia, Luis Escobar, and Edgar Santana.  An additional international signing will appear in rankings 12-7 and will give the Pirates a total of six international signings in our top 30.

The overall goal of a minor league system is to have players who can impact the big league ball club, whether it be a trade or an actual contribution.  Three players on this list will have a chance to make a contribution for the Pirates this season, with two having the potential to have the largest contribution of anybody in the top 30.