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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Pittsburgh Pirates
BRADENTON, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 20: J.T. Brubaker #65 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)

Pitcher JT Brubaker

2019 was supposed to be the season for JT Brubaker. But, injuries happened. When the 2019 season began it seemed there was no chance that Brubaker would not make his MLB debut in 2019, but injuries limited him to just six minor league starts.

Had it not been for injuries, Brubaker’s MLB debut would have occurred in 2019. After all, he entered the season as the Pirates’ top starting pitching option at the Triple-A level, and this came before the team used 14 different starting pitchers.

Four of the six starts Brubaker made in 2019 came at the Triple-A level. He posted a 2.57 ERA, 3.96 FIP, 4.7% walk rate, and a 23.3% strikeout rate in these starts. He also made two starts for the short-season Low-A West Virginia Black Bears. Brubaker posted a 1.35 ERA, 4.00 FIP, 14.8% walk rate, and a 14.8% strikeout rate in these two starts.

Assuming he is healthy, Brubaker will start the 2020 season back with Triple-A Indy. However, he will be high up on the Pirates’ stating pitching depth chart. If he is pitching effectively and healthy at Triple-A, Brubaker should see his MLB debut occur in the 2020 season. Potentially, early in the season.

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