Pittsburgh Pirates Minors: Three Outfield Prospects to Watch in 2020

Juan Pie has been on the radar for a few years now.  The outfielder signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2017 out of the Dominican Republic for a decently sized bonus of $500,000.  At the time he was just 16 years of age but already possessed a projectable frame standing at 6’1” and weighing 160 pounds.

Pie is now 18 years old and has played in two seasons in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system.  He is a left-handed hitter and thrower that now stands at 6’2” and is closer to 180 pounds.  With that frame, Pie has five tool potential; he is is currently a plus runner and defender and has a very projectable bat.

However, the thing that stands out about Pie the most is his advanced approach at the plate.  For a teenager, Pie has shown a strong ability to get on base and keep his strikeouts to a minimum, striking out in just 19 percent of his 410 plate appearance.  In today’s game, anything under 20 percent is very promising to see.  Furthermore, he has an above-average walk rate for his age of 12.5 percent.

Overall, Pie has some strides to take yet.  His career batting average sits at .253 through 100 career games.  While his average is rather lacking his on-base percentage is at an impressive .361 and he has slugged .401.  Furthermore, his ISO sits at a career .148, showing he has some raw power as a young teenager.

Pie will turn 19 in April and will likely head to Low-A Greensboro for his first taste of full-season ball.  Pie has all the tools to be a good player and has already shown an advanced approach at the plate.  If he can continue to post strong peripheral numbers, then he has a good chance to break out this season.