Five Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects That Could Make Their MLB Debut In 2020

BRADENTON, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Ke'Bryan Hayes #77 of the Pittsburgh Pirates poses for a portrait during the Pittsburgh Pirates Photo Day on February 20, 2019 at Pirate City in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BRADENTON, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Ke'Bryan Hayes #77 of the Pittsburgh Pirates poses for a portrait during the Pittsburgh Pirates Photo Day on February 20, 2019 at Pirate City in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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BRADENTON, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 20: Will Craig #75 of the Pittsburgh Pirates poses for a portrait during the Pittsburgh Pirates Photo Day on February 20, 2019 at Pirate City in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

First baseman Will Craig

Like Hayes, it was a surprise that slugger Will Craig did not earn a September call up in 2019. Honestly, it was more of a surprise to see Craig not earn a call up than Hayes. Especially with Josh Bell battling injury for much of the month.

The past two minor league seasons the former first round pick has flashed his power. After slugging .448 with a .200 ISO, 20 home runs and a 11.0% extra base hit rate with Double-A Altoona in 2018, he spent 2019 with Triple-A Indianapolis. At Indy, Craig slugged .435 with 23 home runs, a .186 ISO and an extra base hit rate of 9.3%.

Craig primarily plays first base, but he has also played third base in the past. During the 2019 season he started to learn the corner outfield spots as well, increasing his versatility.

It would not be a complete surprise to see Craig break Spring Training as a bench bat for the Pirates. Even if he begins the year back at Triple-A Indy, barring some sort of injury or major setback, he will see his first MLB action at some point in 2020.