Pittsburgh Pirates: 3 Prospects to be Excited About in 2022

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 18: Catcher Henry Davis, who was selected first overall in the 2021 MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates takes batting practice on the field after signing a contract with the Pirates at PNC Park on July 18, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 18: Catcher Henry Davis, who was selected first overall in the 2021 MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates takes batting practice on the field after signing a contract with the Pirates at PNC Park on July 18, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Starting pitcher Quinn Priester

Quinn Priester‘s month of August is the one that showcased his potential and gave an insight into his future with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The month of August saw Priester make 4 starts and pitch a total of 23 innings while tossing 33 strikeouts and holding his opponents to a .224 average, he also held an ERA of 2.35 while going 2-0. Quinn also pitched in game 2 of Greensboro’s championship series against the Bowling Green Hot Rods, he went 5 innings and struck out 7 while giving up one run on three hits and got the win.

Priester can touch 98 mph with his fastball and averages 97 mph and the spin rate on his four-seamer is 2,200 RPM. He also throws a two-seam ball that is usually hit on the ground and generates outs.

Then he uses two breaking balls, a low-80s curve with a 2900 RPM, and a slider that is still being worked on as well as his changeup. The unique 2020 year was spent adding velocity to his pitches and his stock was rising through the roof and looks like the year of work paid off.

Priester is the second-ranked Pirate prospect and his ETA is 2023, he is someone who will headline the rotation for years to come and help the Pirates contend once all the pieces are put together.