Pittsburgh Pirates: Five Prospects Who Can Make MLB Impact in 2022

Altoona Curve starting pitcher Roansy Contreras throws against the Erie SeaWolves on June 15, 2021, at UPMC Park in Erie.P6seawolves061521
Altoona Curve starting pitcher Roansy Contreras throws against the Erie SeaWolves on June 15, 2021, at UPMC Park in Erie.P6seawolves061521 /
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Pittsburgh Pirates
Mar 1, 2021; Sarasota, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates Mason Martin (80) poses during media day at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MLB Photos via USA Today Sports /

First baseman Mason Martin

Like Cruz, Mason Martin is a player who has massive power potential. Also like Cruz, he is a player who could make an impact as a potential designated hitter with the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2022 season.

Martin was also one of the players promoted to Indianapolis on Sunday evening. Prior to his promotion Martin was hitting for a .242/.318/.481 slash line in 471 PAs with the Curve. He has crushed 22 home runs, 29 doubles and a pair of triples. All of this has resulted in a .239 ISO for Martin to go with a 113 wRC+.

The most concerning thing for Martin has been his strikeout rate. He has struck out at a 34.2% clip this season, continuing the trend of a high strikeout rate for Martin. This marks the third time in four minor league seasons that Martin has struck out at a 30%+ clip.

Even if strikeouts continue to be an issue for Martin his power potential will still make him a valuable player and make him capable of having a huge impact at the Major League level. At worst Martin could be a Pedro Alvarez type of hitter. The big difference would be that Martin is the far superior defensive player to Alvarez.

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Unless Martin falls flat on his face at Indianapolis he will likely see time with the Pittsburgh Pirates next season. His power will give him the potential to make a major impact for the Pirates and he could potentially prove to be the team’s first baseman of the future.