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Pittsburgh Pirates: Rule 5 Eligible Prospects Who Could be Traded

By Marty Leap

Altoona's Cal Mitchell (5) reacts to a call as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies lost to the Altoona Curve, 5-0, at the Ponies home opener on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.
Altoona's Cal Mitchell (5) reacts to a call as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies lost to the Altoona Curve, 5-0, at the Ponies home opener on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. /
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Mar 1, 2021; Sarasota, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates Cal Mitchell (91) poses during media day at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MLB Photos via USA Today Sports
Mar 1, 2021; Sarasota, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates Cal Mitchell (91) poses during media day at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MLB Photos via USA Today Sports /

Outfielder Cal Mitchell

At one point in time Cal Mitchell was shooting up prospect boards and appeared to be on the brink of becoming a top-100 prospect. After posting a 120 wRC+, .761 OPS and an 8.5% extra base hit rate at Low-A in 2018, Mitchell was on the brink of shooting up prospect boards.

Mitchell followed his 2018 campaign up with a strong 2019 season at the High-A level. The left-handed hitting outfielder hit for a .251/.304/.406 slash line to go with a 110 wRC+ at the High-A level.

In 2020, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling the minor league season Mitchell did not play. This hurt his prospect value and led to him becoming a bit of a forgotten prospect among Pirate fans.

This is despite Mitchell having a strong 2021 season. He posted a 106 wRC+ to go with a .280/.330/.429 slash line with the Double-A Altoona Curve. This performance earned Mitchell a late season promotion to Triple-A Indianapolis.

While Mitchell struggled with Indy it put him on the doorstep of the Majors. Mitchell has the potential to be an every dat outfielder in the Majors, or a strong fourth outfielder/platoon player. Due to this Mitchell would likely be selected in the Rule 5 Draft if left unprotected.

It will be tough to find Mitchell a spot on the 40-man roster with Bryan Reynolds, Ben Gamel and the newly acquired Greg Allen having 40-man spots. Plus, 2018 first-round pick Travis Swaggerty, who could open the season as the starter in left field, needs added to the 40-man roster as well. All of this could leave Mitchell without a spot, leading to an offseason trade.

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