Pittsburgh Pirates: Four Breakout Prospects For 2021

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CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – MARCH 05: Manager Derek Shelton of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during a spring training game at Phillies Spring Training Ball Park on March 05, 2021 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Pitcher Austin Roberts

This is the only prospect not acquired during the Ben Cherington era we will talk about today. Right-handed pitcher Austin Roberts was drafted by the Bucs with their 8th round pick in 2019. Roberts was picked out of California State University Sacramento.

Roberts served as a swingman for most of his time in college. He appeared in 89 games and started 29 of them. In total, he tossed 191 innings and posted a solid 3.39 ERA, 3.71 FIP and 1.28 WHIP. Roberts allowed just 12 home runs for a 0.6 HR/9 rate, but struggled with control at times with a 10% walk rate. It also didn’t help that he had a so-so strikeout rate of just 22.1%.

The prospect pitched much better in his first taste of professional action than he did through college. Roberts served a similar role for the Pirates’ Low-A affiliate to what he did in college, appearing in 15 games and starting five.

All told, he racked up a total of 40 innings, had a 2.70 ERA, 3.30 FIP and 1.05 WHIP. Roberts saw his strikeout rate take a small tick forward to 24.2%, but his walk rate fell to a much better 7% mark. He also allowed just 3 home runs for a .68 HR/9 rate in part due to his strong 48.1% ground ball rate. Plus he had a 2.98 xFIP, showing that he pitched to his ability.

Roberts uses a three pitch mix to get outs. Out of his fastball, curveball and change-up, his change has the highest ceiling which FanGraphs sees as a potential 60-grade offering. It’s also the best change up in the organization according to FanGraphs as well. His fastball is still considered a pitch with above average potential with a 55-future grade. He isn’t an overpowering pitcher sitting in the 92-96 MPH range, but puts 2250 RPM on the pitch which is about average. His curve is seen as a third, average offering with a 50-grade.

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Roberts recently made his debut on FanGraphs’ top prospect lists coming in as the Pirates’ 33rd best prospect. Though he may not be one of the Pirates’ higher end arms, he’s been a solid pitcher throughout his baseball career and he’ll be 22 for most of the 2021 season. He could fill a similar role for the Pirates in the near future, serving as a long relief man and making the spot start here and there for the major league team within the next few seasons.

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