Pittsburgh Pirates: Ranking the Prospects Acquired This Offseason

Hudson Head

Hudson Head, the headliner of the Musgrove deal, is the best prospect that the Pittsburgh Pirates got throughout the off season among their three major trades. Despite being selected in the third round in 2019, Head has first round potential. Head was passed up as much as he was because of his commitment to play football in high school, which led to him being a non-regular on the showcase circuit. Less scouts got to view his tools and this bumped down his prospect stock.

Head made his professional debut after being drafted in 2019. Through 141 plate appearances, he posted a .283/.383/.417 line, a .375 wOBA and 119 wRC+. Head drew a walk in 10.6% of his plate appearances while having a strikeout rate of just 20.6%.

Head’s best tool is his hit tool which is seen as a 60-grade. While he only is seen as a batter with average power, he has 55-future game power and could further build upon that. The San Diego Union Tribune stated when Head could have 55-60 grade power by the time he’s in the majors. MLB Pipeline also stated that before the trade to the Pirates, he had some of the best bat speed in the Padres’ organization. Pretty good for a farm system that had hitters like C.J. Abrams and Luis Campusano.

He’s also an ultra athletic outfielder. Head has a 60-speed grade and has the glove and instincts to stay in center field. His fielding is seen as a 55-grade tool in the future by FanGraphs while also earning the same grade for his throwing ability.

Head has five-tool potential. He can field, he can run, he can get on base and he has the potential to have some power. This upcoming season will only be his age 20 season, so he’s still another two years at the very least away from the majors. However, among all 11 of the prospects the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired, he definitely has the most talent and potential.