Pittsburgh Pirates: The All-Under-20 Prospect Team

Center Field: Braylon Bishop

The 14th round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in this past July’s MLB Draft Braylon Bishop was one of the biggest steals. Bishop went with the 403rd overall pick. But there was a good argument to be made that he should have gone top 100. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the 94th best prospect going into the draft. It should be stated now that he’s far from our last under-20 prospect to appear on this team list.

Bishop is a highly athletic outfielder. His best tool is his speed, according to Pipeline. They currently see it as a 60-grade tool. He’s also a plus fielder with a strong arm that can play any outfield spot. But make no mistake, he’s not a light-hitting Billy Hamilton type player. Bishop has some pop, 50-grade according to Pipeline. He stands at 6’2″, 193 pounds, which is pretty big for an 18-year-old. Not only can he generate power from his frame, but he also has very good bat speed.

Bishop’s power may play up if he can improve his hit tool. Currently, Pipeline only sees it as a 45. He’s struggled against better pitching and he has a bit of swing-and-miss, but like with Nolasco, nothing major to worry about yet. If he can get it to a 50-grade or better tool, his power will look much better when he’s making consistent contact.

Bishop is only 18-years-old. He has a handful of years before the Pittsburgh Pirates even think about promoting him to the major leagues. But he’s arguably one of the highest ceiling outfielders in the Pirate farm system given his outstanding athleticism, power potential, and fielding ability.