Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Top 5 Catchers in the Farm System

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PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 20: A New Era pillbox Pittsburgh Pirates baseball hat is seen in the dugout during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at PNC Park on July 20, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Number 4 – Carter Bins

Carter Bins was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 35th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He decided not sign with the Phillies, however, instead following through on his college commitment to Fresno State University.

The catcher went on to play 3 seasons of college baseball with the Bulldogs. Bins slashed .289/.383/.465 in his college career in 161 games. He showed little power but managed to have 19 career home runs.

In 2019, Bins again declared for the MLB Draft where he was selected by the Seattle Mariners in 11th round. In just two years with the Mariners, Bins was traded this year to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Tyler Anderson deal.

MLB Pipeline ranked Bins as the 30th overall prospect in the Pirate farm system at that time of the trade. In just 16 games with Double-A Altoona, Bins found himself struggling. He was 11 for 55 with only a pair of extra base hits.

On September 8th Bins was placed on the 7-day minor league injured list. I believe Bins has great defensive skills and can handle the bat fairly well. He will need more time in the minors before I would like to see him on the big-league club. I think one day he could potentially be a good backup catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. That is why he lands at number 4 on my list.

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