Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Prospects Who Can Make an Impact in 2021
By Marty Leap
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.