Pittsburgh Pirates: Rule 5 Eligible Prospects Who Could be Traded

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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Pittsburgh Pirates
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – AUGUST 09: A Pittsburgh Pirates hat, glove and bat sit in the dugout before the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on August 9, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Outfielder Lolo Sanchez

22-year-old outfielder Lolo Sanchez is coming off a strong season with the High-A Greensboro Grasshoppers. Sanchez hit for a .264/.372/.453 slash line to go with a 124 wRC+ in 437 plate appearances across 104 games played with the Grasshoppers.

This was the second stint at High-A for Sanchez who also played at the level in 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling the minor league season in 2020, Sanchez was unable to play.

Sanchez is a player who could be selected in the Rule 5 Draft without anyone being surprised. His 60 grade speed, 12.6% walk rate and outfield defense could all play at the Major League level. He also rarely strikes out, he’s never had a strikeout rate over 16.5% in the minors.

While Sanchez could easily be selected in the Rule 5 Draft it is hard envision him having a spot on the 40-man roster of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Due to this, he could be a candidate to be traded instead of being exposed to the Rule 5 Draft.