Pittsburgh Pirates: Eight Prospects Rank in FanGraphs Top 130

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: Ke'Bryan Hayes #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals in game two of a doubleheader at PNC Park on September 18, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: Ke'Bryan Hayes #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals in game two of a doubleheader at PNC Park on September 18, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh Pirates
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 14: A detalied view of a Pittsburgh Pirates hat and catching glove is seen on the dugout steps during the MLB game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 14, 2019 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Pirates 7-4. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

100th Ranked Prospect

The Pittsburgh Pirates hard-throwing right-handed pitching prospect from the Bahamas made the list, and it makes me happy to see this. Tahnaj Thomas AKA the Bahama Bomber (Trademarked lol) snuck into the top 100 prospects on FanGraphs’s list and I think his ranking took a bit of a hit due to there being no minor league season in 2020.

Another thing that might hurt him is him teetering between a bullpen arm or a starter. I will say this though, if you say he’s a bullpen guy, watch out because he’s coming after you.

In 2019 Thomas posted strong numbers with a 3.17 ERA, 3.49 xFIP, 1.12 WHIP, 29.5% strikeout rate, and a 7.0% walk rate. One thing Longenhagen mentions that I agree with is his pitching repertoire. If he wants to remain a starter, he will need to find a good third pitch and remain consistent with his breaking stuff.

Here is the gist of what Longenhagen had to say:

"“Thomas didn’t take to pitching until signing a pro contract out of the Bahamas, but he’s gained considerable velocity every year, now touches 100 mph, and throws a shocking number of strikes.”"