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Pittsburgh Pirates: Rum Bunter’s Top 10 Prospects

By Noah Wright

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 10: Ke'Bryan Hayes #77 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during batting practice prior to the Grapefruit League spring training game against the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field on March 10, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 10: Ke'Bryan Hayes #77 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during batting practice prior to the Grapefruit League spring training game against the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field on March 10, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 22: Ji-hwan Bae #72 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians at PNC Park on July 22, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 22: Ji-hwan Bae #72 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the exhibition game against the Cleveland Indians at PNC Park on July 22, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

9. Ji-Hwan Bae

Infielder Ji-Hwan Bae was acquired by th e Pittsburgh Pirates after the Atlanta Braves were forced to release a handful of their international prospects as former general manager John Coppollea was involved in a scandal with fraudulent international signings in 2017. When Bae was released, the Bucs swooped in to sign the South Korean prospect.

Bae got his first big taste of professional baseball last year at just age 19. Through 380 plate appearances, Bae was a very effective lead off hitter. He hit .323/.403/.430 with a 145 wRC+ and .384 wOBA. Bae’s ability to get on base was even more of a weapon considering how great of a baserunner he was. Bae stole 31 bags in 42 attempts. He also walked 11.3% of the time.

Bae’s best tool is his speed. FanGraphs gives it a 65 current and future grade. That currently ranks as one of the highest in the Pirate farm system behind Sergio Campana (80) and Anthony Alford (70). Bae also has a solid hit tool with a future of 55.

Currently, Bae has seen time at second base and shortstop. He’s been given solid but not unimpressive grades with a 50 future grade. He does have a better arm with a 55 future grade there. Bae is athletic enough to play a position like centerfield in the future. His worst tool is his power. Both his game power and raw power have future grades below 50.

The only issue Bae had in 2019 was off the field as he was involved in a domestic abuse case from his high school years. The speedy prospect was suspended 30 games without pay. However, if he can keep out of trouble off the field, he could be a really good lead off hitter for the Pittbsurgh Pirates in the coming years.

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