Pittsburgh Pirates: Projecting the Team’s 2023 Line Up

Designated Hitter: Jack Herman

2023 Opening Day Age: 23

Right now, there isn’t a guarantee that the designated hitter will be in the National League. But considering that the MLB is already trying it out in 2020, and was going to have it in 2021 if they played more than 60 games, it seems like an inevitability that the universal DH will be implemented sooner rather than later. So, the Pittsburgh Pirates will have to decide on a DH of the future.

Jack Herman is another notable outfield prospect who has some pop. Last year at Low-A, the slugger hit 13 home runs in 300 plate appearances, and had a .464 slugging percentage. Both his raw power and game power have a future of 55. He also put up a strong .208 isolated slugging percentage. All told, he had a .257/.340/.464 line and 134 wRC+. Herman has 55 future grades for his raw and game power, but only a 40 future hit tool. Still seeing as he draws a decent amount of walks, Herman will get on base a decent amount.

Herman only grades out as an average fielder with a 50 future fielding grade. He also isn’t super fast with a 40 speed grade. However what he lacks in overall range he makes up for with an extremely strong arm. Herman had a 60 current/future arm grade. Herman threw out 11 runners in just 612 innings in ‘19. With the lack of range, and if his fielding doesn’t improve while his hitting does get better, Herman could be the team’s next DH, that is if there is one. Even if there isn’t a DH by then, Herman could also be another option for right field.

Other possible options: Alexander Mojica