Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Rum Bunter’s Top 5 Pitching Prospects

Number 4: Miguel Yajure

Miguel Yajure was signed by the New York Yankees back in March 2015. He steadily climbed his way up through the minor leagues despite a Tommy John surgery and made his major league debut in 2020 with the Yanks. Though over this past offseason, he, along with 3 other players, one of which will come up later, were sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Jameson Taillon in what looks like a very successful swap on the Pirate end thus far.

Like Malone, Yajure possesses a pitch repertoire you’d like to see from your starters. 4 offerings with average or better potential and plus control. Yajure isn’t a hard thrower. His four-seam fastball only comes in around 91-95 MPH but has averaged about 2400 RPM with the offering. FanGraphs projects this as a 55-grade offering.

Though his more effective fastball is his cutter. His cut-fastball sits around 87-90 MPH. Though it’s already considered a 55-grade offering and could improve to a 60-grade pitch. His change-up is another off-speed pitch with plus potential. It comes in with similar velocity to his cutter but gives batters a different look. It’s also a 55-projected pitch. Finally, there’s his curveball, an offering that comes in around 77-80 MPH and at the very least is a third average offering. Though he does have a feel for it and could improve over time.

While Yajure doesn’t throw into the upper-90’s like Malone or some other noteworthy prospects can, he has well above-average command. FanGraphs currently grades his command at 50, which is average. Though once he’s fully developed, Yajure could have 60-grade command.

Yajure stands at 6’1″, 220 pounds. He’s 23-years-old and has improved his overall numbers at each level of the minor leagues. Yajure’s outstanding command should help his offerings play up. The 23-year-old should get a long look in the big leagues very soon. His outstanding control and plus spin are a nice combination and one that makes him a potential long-term rotation anchor for the Pittsburgh Pirates.