Pittsburgh Pirates: Players Set for MLB Breakout in 2022

Outfielder Travis Swaggerty

Travis Swaggerty could very likely start the 2022 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Swaggerty would join Bryan Reynolds in the outfield and hopefully join his Triple-A teammates in the starting lineup at PNC Park.

Swaggerty had an unfortunate season as he saw only 12 games due to a dislocated shoulder and did not return that season. A first-round choice in 2018, Swaggerty provides contact with the ball and consistency in getting on base. The 24-year old would also be stealing a lot of bases this year and MLB.com gave him a 60 graded run tool, so it is kind of implied. At this point, it’s a little difficult to predict the Pirates’ Opening Day lineup, but if Swaggerty does what he is best at then he and a few others should start the season off strong.

Another upside about Travis is his fielding. Swaggerty has only 9 errors over his 3 years in Pittsburgh’s farm system and usually gets outs wherever he throws to the infield. Like his running grade, his fielding grade tops off at 60 and that is his main attraction. The Pirates had some of the worst defense in the outfield last year, but many capable outfielders can get the job done, and Travis Swaggerty is one of them.

There are more Pittsburgh Pirates whose expected to arrive in 2022 but these are the most talked about. I know prospects are never a guaranteed success but the expectation is that these players will be a part of the team for years to come and give the Pirates the best chance to take home a World Series title.