Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: MLB Future’s Game is Today

The Pittsburgh Pirates have two top prospects that will be playing in the MLB Future’s Game today. Both will be on the United States’ team.

The MLB Future’s Game always kicks off the All-Star Week festivities. The game has most of the top prospects from every level of the minor leagues.  The Pittsburgh Pirates saw players like Luis Escobar and Dovydas Neverauskas take part in previous years.  This year the team has two prospects going.  The Pittsburgh Pirates top pitching prospects, and top overall prospect, Mitch Keller is one of the participants.  The other player is top third base prospect Ke’Bryan Hayes. Both will be participating for Team United States.

Not only are they playing in the prospect all-star game, they also were credited for having some of the top tools on their respective rosters.   Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline releases an article every year as a primer for the game.  He normally gives a report on which players have the best tools in the game.  This list includes things like the best hitter, best power, best fastball, and other categories. Both Keller and Hayes came up on the list.

Mitch Keller was the first one mentioned on the list.  Of course, Keller has quickly turned into one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball.  On top of his mid 90s fastball, sharp breaking ball, and a potentially average changeup, the biggest attribute that Keller has is his control.  Callis called Keller that pitcher with the best command for Team United States.  Callis wrote:

"“Keller commands his 93- to 98-mph fastball to both sides of the plate and down in the strike zone, and he also locates his curveball and changeup well.”"

Ke’Bryan Hayes received a minor league gold glove at the end of last season.  That is pretty impressive being that all the minor levels are considered for one award at each position.  Well, it seems as no surprise that Callis has high praise for Hayes’ defense, rating him as the best defender and best arm for Team United States. Here is Callis on Hayes as a defender and on his arm:

"His father Charlie played an average third base during 14 season in the Majors, but Ke’Bryan is a better defender and the total package at the hot corner, with range to both sides, soft hands and a strong arm.Hayes’ arm stands out not only because of its strength, but also because of its accuracy and his ability to make throws from a variety of angles."

Next: A Look at the Bullpen

The game will be aired on TV.  Tune in to the MLB Network for coverage starting at 4 PM.  Be sure to check in on time because Mitch Keller will be starting the game for Team USA.  Also, Hayes is starting at third base, but he will be batting ninth in the lineup.