Pittsburgh Pirates: Five Under-the-Radar Prospects off to a Hot Start

Mar 1, 2019; Dunedin, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Rodolfo Castro (90) throws to first base to retire Toronto Blue Jays catcher Luke Maile (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Dunedin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2019; Dunedin, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Rodolfo Castro (90) throws to first base to retire Toronto Blue Jays catcher Luke Maile (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Dunedin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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BRADENTON, FLORIDA – MARCH 22: A detail of the 2021 MLB Grapefruit league logo during a spring training game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles on March 22, 2021 at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
BRADENTON, FLORIDA – MARCH 22: A detail of the 2021 MLB Grapefruit league logo during a spring training game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles on March 22, 2021 at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Catcher Eli Wilson

Although the Pittsburgh Pirates don’t have many notable catching prospects throughout their minor league ranks, backstop Eli Wilson is potentially putting his name into consideration as one of the team’s catchers of the future.

The Bucs selected Wilson with their 16th round pick. After a so-so 2019 professional debut season, Wilson has started the 2021 season at Low-A Bradenton. To say he’s been magnificent would be an understatement.

Through 53 plate appearances, Wilson is batting .395/.556/.605, leading to a tremendous wOBA and wRC+. However, what’s even more impressive has been his plate discipline. Wilson has walked 14 times which comes to a walk rate of 26.4%. However, he’s only struck out 10 times for an 18.9% K-rate. He’s paired his strong plate discipline with solid power, having 2 doubles and home runs, and a .210 isolated slugging percentage.

Wilson was considered a strong defender at the time he was drafted. He’s caught over 30% of runners trying to take an extra-base on him. Minnesota University also described him to have a “strong defensive presence” when he was selected.

Wilson won’t turn 23 until July 6th. Although he likely won’t keep up a 1.171 OPS throughout the entire season, he still should be a productive batter while providing good defense behind the dish. Wilson may even be able to make it to Double-A Altoona before the end of 2021.