Pittsburgh Pirates Potential Day 2 Draft Selection: Masyn Winn

The Pittsburgh Pirates have an opportunity to draft a player with potential as a two-way star during the second day of the draft.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have never had a true two-way player in their system. At one point, they did have an outfielder-turned-pitcher in Elvis Escobar, but he has since been let go by the team. In the 2016 MLB Draft, they selected Will Craig, who was used as a relief pitcher quite often in college, and played corner infield as well.

I’ve went into how the team should explore creating a two way player out of a current prospect in the system, but the Pittsburgh Pirates could have a chance to draft a player who can both play the field, hit a bit, and pitch. That player is Kingwood, Texas, RHP/SS, Masyn Winn.

Winn is capable of playing shortstop, and he has the ability to be a plus pitcher. His fastball velocity is among the top of his class, as he has been able to reach 98 MPH. Usually the pitch sits in the mid-90s, but as you can see he has the potential to be a hard throwing pitcher. Scouts also observed good secondary pitches with a change up and a curveball. Out of the two secondaries, his curveball is the more effective with a high rate of spin. He can throw that into the low-80s range, really off-setting his heater. His change up, although, the weakest of his three pitches, is still considered a very usable pitch. MLB Pipeline gives all three above average grades, with his fastball and curveball coming in at 60.

As a shortstop, Winn is a very athletic player. Obviously, he has a good arm grade per MLB Pipeline at 65, but he also has a 55 fielding grade as well. His speed is also an asset with a 55 run grade. His athleticism could help him move around the diamond and make him more of a utility player than a RHP/SS only.

Winn put all his tools on display in the World Wood Bat Association Championship. During the championship, Winn touched 98 MPH with his fastball and hit a home run. However, there are some questions about Winn that will arise. Winn is already touching the high-90s at just 18 years old. Like any hard throwing young player, there will be questions about how their arm will hold up. In all likelihood, his future will be as a multi-inning closer. There are also a few questions about his bat. Currently, MLB Pipeline has given him a 45 hit grade, and 50 power grade.

Regardless, I don’t think many would complain if their back end bullpen pitcher not only could pitcher some clutch innings, but also play plus defense at multiple different positions, hit a dozen home runs a year, and steal a dozen bags as well. He also clocked in with a 95 MPH exit velocity, so there is potential for improvement with the bat. Winn is projected by ESPN to go 41st in the draft, while MLB Pipeline has him as the 54th best draft prospect available. FanGraphs also places him around the 40-mark at 39. The Pittsburgh Pirates do have the 44th overall pick in the second day of the MLB draft, which with all the projections, could be available by the time the Pirates are on the clock for their pick.