Pittsburgh Pirates: Prospects Set for an Extended Look in 2022

3 of 6

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) /

Pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski

The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Carmen Mldozisnki as the 31st overall pick in the 2020 draft. The right-hander had an outstanding stint at the Cape Cod League, which led to his stock rising a notable amount and being picked in the first round.

Mldozinski mostly played at High-A Greensboro this year. He only pitched 50.1 innings, but put up a solid 3.93 ERA, 4.34 FIP, and 1.29 WHIP. Though his 4.00 xFIP represented a better pitcher. Mlodzinski 30% of all the batters he faced while having a 9.4% walk rate. Although not a fantastic control pitcher, a 9.4% walk rate isn’t awful either. But his biggest weakness was the long ball. He had a 1.25 HR/9 rate. While he only had a 31.7% fly ball rate and solid 42.9% ground ball rate, he had a poor 25.4% line drive rate.

Mlodzinksi’s best pitches are his sinking fastball and cutter. He’s reached the upper-90’s with his four-seamer and both offerings project as above average. Between the two, his fastball is considered the better offering, projecting as a 60-grade pitch. But his cutter (which some see as a slider) still projects as a 55-grade offering. He’ll also throw a changeup, which he has a feel for, but is only considered average.

Mldozinski may completely skip Double-A in 2022. He already pitched 2.0 innings at Triple-A at the end of 2021. While it could just be to get him some more playing time in after Greensboro’s and Altoona’s seasons ended, there’s reason to believe that he’ll start 2022 at Triple-A.

For one, he wouldn’t be the only player in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization to skip a level. The next guy we’re going to bring up did skip Double-A. The last two names I have on this list spent very little time at Triple-A before appearing in the big leagues. I wouldn’t rule out a summer call-up for Mlodzinski if he pitches well and is healthy.