Pittsburgh Pirates: Prospect to Watch at Every Position in 2021

First Base: Alexander Mojica

Alexander Mojica was even younger than Planchart in his first professional season, which, like the catcher, was 2019 as well. Mojica was an international signing out of the Dominican Republic and was one of Planchart’s teammates. Mojica absolutely raked at the level for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Through 218 plate appearances, Mojica hit .351/.468/.580 with a .491 wOBA and 182 wRC+. In terms of wRC+, a stat weighed for league and park factors, a 182 mark at the DSL in 2019 would end up with similar offensive results to 2019 Mike Trout (180 wRC+). Mojica showed off some real pop. He blasted 8 home runs, racked up 14 doubles and put up a .230 isolated slugging percentage. He also displayed great plate discipline with a fantastic 17% walk rate and 15.6% strikeout rate.

Mojica mainly played third base during 2019. He does have an average arm for the hot corner, with a 50 grade, but a 35 current/40 future fielding grade at third base will eventually push him to first base. He isn’t unfamiliar with first though as he played 16 innings there in 2019. He also lacks range with a speed grade of just 20, the lowest possible grade a player can get for at tool.

Mojica’s best tool is his raw power. He’s already reached a 55 grade on FanGraphs, but could improve it to a 60. He also has future 55 grades for his hit and game power tools. He already averaged 89 MPH during his age-16 season. Next year will be his age-18 season and after his excellent showing at the DSL, Mojica could quickly rise through the prospect lists. Currently, FanGraphs ranks Mojica as the 36th best propsect that the Pittsburgh Pirates have.