Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Players Earning a Promotion to Altoona
By Marty Leap
Shortstop Liover Peguero
In February of 2020 Ben Cherington made his first major trade as general manger of the Pittsburgh Pirates. This trade saw Cherington and the Pirates trade outfielder Starling Marte to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a pair of prospects. One of these prospects was shortstop Liover Peguero.
The shortstop of the future for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Peguero is putting together a tremendous season for Greensboro. In fact, he is coming off a great week that saw him named the High-A East Player of the Week.
Peguero is hitting for a .266/.328/.465 slash line in 269 PAs this season. He has hit a new career best 11 home runs and 11 doubles. Peguero has also collected a pair of triples this season and has stolen a career best 17 bags thus far. To go with plus defense at shortstop, Peguero has posted a 112 wRC+ on the season.
The power has been a pleasant surprise from Peguero. He has always been viewed as a plus defender with good contact/on-base skills, as well as plus speed. If his power continues to develop Peguero could be one of the best shortstops in the National League one day in the not so distant future.
Peguero has played his way into top-100 prospect territory, as well as earning a promotion to the Double-A level. Hopefully, the Pirates will give Peguero an opportunity at the Double-A level down the stretch this season. Peguero missed some time earlier this season due to a wrist issue. If not for this, Peguero may already be with Altoona.