Pittsburgh Pirates: Santiago Florez Gets Promoted To High A

The Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted one of their young pitchers. This helps make room for the drafted players.

One thing that Ben Cherington has focused on while being the Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager is player first player development. We can see where this has helped young players already as numerous Pirates prospects have improved their performance thus far. One of those prospects is right handed pitcher Santiago Florez. Florez was originally signed back in the 2016-2017 international signing signing period. He has pitched well enough this season to be promoted.

In A ball with the Bradenton Marauders, Florez made nine starts, pitched 10 games and threw 52.2 innings. In those 52.2 innings he posted a 1.37 ERA with what would be a career best 34.6 percent strikeout out rate and 6.8 percent walk rate. All massive improvements compared to his previous production. This is a good example of how this front office approaches itching development. Florez will be rule five eligible again this offseason and him performing well could get him added to the 40 man. He has already been promoted to High A Greensboro, first reported by Bradenton broadcaster Spenser Smith.

The right handed throws hard and sits in the mid 90s. His 6’5” and 220 pound frame give him that big starters build that teams like. With that he should be able to touched upper 90s as he continues to mature as he is just 21 years-old. FanGraphs also gives him a future 60 curveball, giving him the potential to have 2 plus pitches.

The big issue with Florez has always been his command but his walk rate has drastically improved this season. The relief risk is there but Cherington was brought in to fix player development. Florez has improved this season and earned himself a promotion to High A Greensboro.  This is a good sign for the young right-handed pitcher as he continues his development path.