Pittsburgh Pirates: Eight Prospects Rank in FanGraphs Top 130

125th Ranked Prospect

Last but not least, we see the final Pirate prospect that cracked the top 130 for FanGraphs is the team’s 2018 first-round draft pick. Travis Swaggerty is one of those prospects you either love or hate; there is no in-between. When Swaggerty was drafted, he was marked as a five-tool player, and at times he has shown that, but his power remains something to be desired. Another issue he needs to work on is the swing-and-miss, having a 22.1% strikeout rate, but it did go decrease from 2018’s number at 25.3%, so there is progress.

In 2019 he posted a decent slash line with .265/.347/.381 along with a .341 wOBA. There were two things that showed some really good promise in his wRC+ at 20% above average at 120, to go with 31 extra base hits in 520 plate appearances. So the potential is there. I’m just left desiring more from the outfield prospect.

Longenhagen had this to say about Swaggs:

"“A plus center fielder with on-base skills and a solid approach at the plate, Swaggerty hasn’t developed the power many expected, but the rest of his game remains strong.”"

Final Thoughts

I really think this is the makeup for a somewhat successful formula in the Ben Cherington era. If the development team continues to hone in on these player’s skills and maintains a pipeline of minor league talent, we could see a small market team like the Pittsburgh Pirates have success in the near future.