Pittsburgh Pirates: MVP For Each Minor League Affiliate Team

Oneil Cruz of the Altoona Curve scored a two-run homer as Binghamton Rumble Ponies lost to the Altoona Curve, 5-0, on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.
Oneil Cruz of the Altoona Curve scored a two-run homer as Binghamton Rumble Ponies lost to the Altoona Curve, 5-0, on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Pittsburgh Pirates
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) /

FCL Pirates Black – infielder Juan Jerez

Juan Jerez is this year’s most valuable position player for the FCL Pirates Black. Jerez stands 6’0” and weighs 160lbs. He comes from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. Jerez is only 19 years of age and was signed by the Pirates back on July 2nd 2018 as an international free agent. He was one of my under-the-radar prospects and rightfully so.

In 43 games, Jerez had batted .296 in 152 at bats. His OBP was an impressive .394 and had a slugging percentage of .500. He carried an overall OPS of .894 on the year with 6 homeruns. He also showed great discipline at the plate recording 24 walks.

FCL Pirates Gold – shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng

Tsung-Che Cheng is this year’s most valuable position player for the FCL Pirates Gold. Signed back in 2019, Cheng got to see his first action as a pro with the Pirates this year because of Covid. He comes from Pingtung County, Taiwan.

In 38 games with the FCL Pirates Gold, Cheng slashed an impressive .311/.449/.492 and an OPS of .940. He even showed a little pop in the bat hitting 4 homeruns. Cheng is only listed at 5’7” 154lbs but can do a lot of things on the field. He 16 stolen bases this year and also recorded 30 walks to only 14 strikeouts. This is a kid to look out for in the future.