Pittsburgh Pirates: Potential Top 100 Prospects By End Of 2021

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 26: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Miguel Yajure #89 of the New York Yankees in action against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium on September 26, 2020 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Marlins 11-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 26: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Miguel Yajure #89 of the New York Yankees in action against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium on September 26, 2020 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Marlins 11-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh Pirates
(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Outfielder Hudson Head

Hudson Head was the headliner going back to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Joe Musgrove deal. Head was selected out of Winston Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas. The San Diego Padres drafted him with their third-round selection in 2019, but Head had first round talent. He was selected much later than his ability suggests as he was committed to playing quarterback for his school’s football team. Scouts didn’t get a full look at him during the season.

Head got his first taste of professional action in 2019 with the Padres’ Arizona League affiliate. Through 141 plate appearances, the lefty batter put up a very solid .284/.383/.417 line with a 119 wRC+ and .375 wOBA. Head posted a walk rate above 10% at 10.6% while having a low strikeout rate of just 20.6%.

Head didn’t show much game power throughout the season, but many believe he can be a five tool outfielder with 55-60 grade power, according to the San Diego Tribune. FanGraphs rates his best tools as his hit and speed tool with both having a future 60-grade. He does have the potential to reach that 55-60 game power grade with a 55-future raw power grade and 89 MPH average exit velocity during his age-18 season. He also is a good fielder with a strong arm as both are seen as future 55 grade tools.

Head is highly athletic with very good bat speed. He’s already shown decent plate discipline at a young age and his power should continue to get better as he matures. After all, his 2021 season will only be his age-20 season.