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Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Prospects Who Can Make an Impact in 2021
Now that the 2021 minor league season is underway, let’s take a look at three prospects who could make an impact with the Pittsburgh Pirates this season
During each and every MLB season there are prospects who reach the Major League level and make an impact. This can be seen every season with each MLB team, including the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Last season, there were multiple prospects who made their MBL debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates and proceeded to make an impact for the team. Pitchers JT Brubaker and Blake Cederlind, as well as third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes are three that come to mind. Now, Brubaker is the team’s best starting pitcher and Hayes, prior to going on the injured list, looked primed to be the frontrunner for the National League Rookie of the Year this season.
During the 2019 season the two big breakout prospects for the Pittsburgh Pirates were outfielder Bryan Reynolds and shortstop Kevin Newman. While Newman has fallen on hard times since the 2019 season, Reynolds has emerged as the team’s best hitter/player, at least until Hayes returns and gives Reynolds some competition for those mantels.
The 2021 season will be like any other as there will be prospects who are called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates and make an impact. With the minor league season now underway, let’s take a look at three prospects who could make an impact with the Pirates this season.
Outfielder Travis Swaggerty
For multiple reasons, outfielder Travis Swaggerty might be the most logical candidate. Swaggerty was a first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2018 MLB Draft and has steadily climbed through their minor league system.
Swaggerty is now at the Triple-A level, where he impressed in his debut at the level earlier this week. Following his impressive debut Swaggerty has stayed hot. Through his first 4 games with the Indianapolis Indians he has hit for a .333/.467/.583 slash line to go with a 176 wRC+ in 15 plate appearances. He’s drawn a pair of walks, struck out just once and has already hit his first Triple-A home run.
Not only does Swaggerty have an opportunity to make an impact for the Pirates in 2021 due to his ability and already being at the Triple-A level, the current state of the Pirate outfield works in his favor as well.
Due to ineffectiveness the Pittsburgh Pirates have already had to designated two outfields – Anthony Alford and Dustin Fowler – for assignment this season. Gregory Polanco is currently on the injured list, and even before going on the IL Polanco was struggling. Phillip Evans has been ice cold at the plate for a month and is a poor defensive outfielder.
Outside of the aforementioned Reynolds, no Pirate outfielder has been able to produce this season and lock down a spot. Ka’ai Tom has flashed some glimpses since joining the Pirates, but needs to be more consistent with his glove while hitting the ball in the air more.
Barring an injury or Swaggerty beginning to struggle mightily at the Triple-A level he will make his MLB debut at some point this season. When that happens Swaggerty will have the opportunity to make an impact with the Pirates, while also cementing himself as a long-term piece in the Pirate outfield.
Starting Pitcher Miguel Yajure
One of the prized jewels of the Jameson Taillon trade was starting pitcher Miguel Yajure. While Yajure has made his MLB debut already, including his Pirate debut, he is currently at the Triple-A level waiting to earn his next opportunity.
Since being acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates the 23-year-old righty has shot up prospect boards. He is now a borderline top 100 prospect, as well as being one of the top pitching prospects in the Pirate farm system.
During a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers last month Yajure made his first, and to this point only, start with the Pirates. While he allowed 4 runs in 4.1 innings of work, he pitched better than his final line. He walked just 2 batters while striking out 4. Yajure flashed a curveball that has the potential to be a plus-plus pitch at the Major League level. He pairs this pitch with a plus cutter and a slider that has good potential.
Yajure is scheduled to make his first start of the season with Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday night. Sooner rather than later Yajure should find himself cemented into the Pirate starting rotation. By the end of the season, Yajure and Brubaker could give the Pirates a quality, young one-two punch at the top of their starting rotation entering 2022.
Starting Pitcher Max Kranick
One of the more intriguing arms in the Pirate farm system is 23-year-old righty Max Kranick. The Pirates selected Kranick in the 11th round of the 2016 draft and is a pitcher that both the regime that drafted him, as well as the current regime have always been high on.
Friday night Kranick made his Double-A debut. In his first start at the Double-A level Kranick went 5.2 strong innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, no walks and 4 strikeouts. During the outing fastball routinely sat in the 97-99 MPH range and was an overpowering pitch.
FanGraphs gives Kranick’s power fastball a future value of 50. Kranick also throws a slider that has a FV of 45 and a cutter with a FV of 45. While his changeup, FV of 40, could use work, his command has a strong FV of 45.
This past offseason the Pittsburgh Pirates added Kranick to their 40-man roster in order to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. Had they not added Kranick to the 40-man roster it appears likely that another team would have selected him.
While Kranick has just one appearance at the Double-A level under his belt it would not be a surprise to see him reach the Majors this season. Kranick is already 23, he is on the 40-man roster and if not for a shoulder issue that cost him time in 2017, as well as the lack of a minor league season in 2020, Kranick would likely be at the Triple-A level.
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There will undoubtedly be prospects that make an impact with the Pittsburgh Pirates this season. While nothing is a guarantee, Swaggerty and Yajure appear to be safe bets to make an impact. Kranick is a slightly off the radar name to watch as well.