Pittsburgh Pirates: Possible Richard Rodríguez Trade Targets From Atlanta

Jun 3, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Richard Rodriguez (left) and catcher Jacob Stallings (58) shake hands after defeating the Miami Marlins at PNC Park. The Pirates won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Richard Rodriguez (left) and catcher Jacob Stallings (58) shake hands after defeating the Miami Marlins at PNC Park. The Pirates won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 1, 2021; North Port, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves Michael Harris II #89 poses during media day at Cool Today Park. Mandatory Credit: MLB photos vis USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2021; North Port, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves Michael Harris II #89 poses during media day at Cool Today Park. Mandatory Credit: MLB photos vis USA TODAY Sports /

Positional Targets

Michael Harris

Michael Harris is an outfielder who is ranked the Braves 9th best prospect. Harris was taken in the third round by the Braves back in 2019. Currently, Harris is in High-A, where he is showing just how good of an all-around player he is.

Harris is hitting .328 with five home runs in around 180 at-bats so far this season. This is not surprising as he is known for his powerful bat that impressed at the alternate site last season Harris however is not just known for his hitting ability, but also the trouble he can cause opposing pitchers on the mound.

He has a 60 grade on his speed, which he is proving more and more already as he has swiped eleven bags already this season. Harris would be a great player to snag in any trade made with Atlanta, but it is unknown if they would be willing to give him up, as some are saying that he is drawing comparisons to Acuna already and that is something the Braves would love to replicate again.

Bryce Ball

Bryce Ball is a first-base prospect in High A, who swings from the left side of the plate with great power. Ball was taken in the 24th round of the 2019 MLB draft. He is ranked the Braves 12th best prospect currently and is highly touted for his power, which is rated a 60 by MLB Pipeline.

In his short pro career, 107 games, Ball has already blasted 22 long balls proving that he can hit for nice power. He also has a .278 average which shows that not only does he get a good amount of homers, but he also gets hits of any kind at a nice clip.

Ball does have one big concern though, and that is the rate that he strikes out. In his 378 total plate appearances, Ball has struck out 103 times. This total is concerning as he has only two more hits than he does strikeouts in his pro career.

If Ball can get this number under control, he would be a great addition if he is included in a trade for Rodríguez.

Trey Harris

Trey Harris is an outfielder that was taken in the 32nd round of the 2018 draft. He is currently ranked as the Braves’ 13th best prospect and currently is in Double-A ball. Trey does not have as much as Michael Harris does, but he is a constant threat to get on base.

Harris has a career batting average of .304 and an on base percentage of .381. With stats like these, he could end up becoming a great leadoff hitter down the road in the Majors.