Pittsburgh Pirates: Eight Prospects Rank in FanGraphs Top 130

Wednesday morning FanGraphs released their updated top prospects list. The Pittsburgh Pirates have eight of the top 130 prospects on their list.

On Wednesday pitchers and catchers reported to Bradenton to kick off Spring Training 2021 for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Also on Wednesday, FanGraphs came out with their annual pre-season top 100 prospects list, and if I’m honest, this is one of a few lists I think is the most accurate.

Eric Longenhagen came out with the list early on Wednesday  morning. Longenhagen both posted the list, while aslo discussing each player and gave his reasoning for their position and what they had to offer.

As far as the Pittsburgh Pirates are concerned, they have four in the top 100 and have eight in total in the top 130. Let’s dive into who these eight players are while giving some thoughts on each.

7th Ranked Prospect

To no one’s surprise, Ke’Bryan Hayes cracked the top 10. There is not much else that cen be said about not just one of the most electrifying third basemen in the NL Central but all of MLB. Hayes put up incredible numbers last season, albeit in a small sample size. In 96 ABs, he hit for a .376/.442/.682 slash line along with a .464 wOBA and 1.6 WAR.

Hayes enters 2021 with sky high expectations. Hopefully, we can see him lead the charge for this Pittsburgh Pirates club in the years to come. His floor, in my opinion, is at least a perennial Gold Glove candidate, and I’d be lying if I told you what his ceiling is because I don’t think anyone knows, to be honest. Here’s what Longenhagen had to say about Hayes:

"“Hayes is a potential Gold Glove defender who continues to progress offensively with an improved approach and more power.”"