Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Prospects Who Could Debut in 2021

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 29: Blake Weiman #82 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch during the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Century Link Sports Complex on February 29, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Left-Handed Reliever Blake Weiman

During the 2020 season two of the Pirates’ top relief pitching prospects made their MLB debut. These two relievers were the aforementioned Cederlind, as well as Nick Mears. Next in line is lefty Blake Weiman.

Weiman is the top left-handed relief pitching prospect that the Pittsburgh Pirates have in their farm system. The lefty split 2019 between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis. Weiman dominated with the Curve posting a 1.86 ERA and a 1.98 FIP in 19.1 innings pitched. This included a 5.5% walk rate and a healthy 32.9% strikeout rate.

After the jump to Triple-A, Weiman failed to continue the dominance he had at Double-A. his walk rate rose to 7.5% and his strikeout rate fell to 18.9%. After allowing just one home run in 19.1 innings pitched for the Curve, he allowed three in 11.1 innings pitched with the Indians. This is a big reason why Weiman’s ERA jumped to 4.63 and his FIP to 6.80.

Had the 2020 season not been shortened to 60 games, Weiman would have made his MLB debut at some point. In all honesty, he may have a legitimate shot to pitch his way into the Opening Day bullpen in spring training. Even if he does not, barring injury, he will make his MLB debut at some point in 2021. Likely that will be sooner rather than later.

Left-Handed Reliever Blake Weiman

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