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Pittsburgh Pirates: Five Potential Rule 5 Draft Selections

By Noah Wright

AMARILLO, TEXAS - JULY 04: Pitcher Levi Kelly #32 of the Amarillo Sod Poodles pitches during the game against the Wichita Wind Surge at HODGETOWN Stadium on July 04, 2021 in Amarillo, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
AMARILLO, TEXAS - JULY 04: Pitcher Levi Kelly #32 of the Amarillo Sod Poodles pitches during the game against the Wichita Wind Surge at HODGETOWN Stadium on July 04, 2021 in Amarillo, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – MARCH 23: Blake Hunt of San Diego Padres hits the ball in the 4th inning during a friendly game between San Diego Padres and Diablos Rojos at Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. The game is held as part of the opening celebrations of the Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium, now the newest in Mexico to play baseball. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – MARCH 23: Blake Hunt of San Diego Padres hits the ball in the 4th inning during a friendly game between San Diego Padres and Diablos Rojos at Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium on March 23, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. The game is held as part of the opening celebrations of the Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium, now the newest in Mexico to play baseball. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /

Catcher Blake Hunt

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired Blake Hunt as one of the many prospects heading their way from the San Diego Padres last offseason in exchange for Blake Snell. The backstop is one of the highest-ranking prospects available in the draft as FanGraphs ranked him as the 108th best prospect in the minors.

Last season Hunt mainly spent the season at High-A Ball. In 257 plate appearances, Hunt only hit .225/.307/.427 with a .320 wOBA, and 96 wRC+. Hunt did have a 10.1% walk rate and did show some pop. He blasted 9 home runs while racking up 15 doubles. All told, he had a .203 isolated slugging percentage. However, he struck out 30.7% of the time. He was eventually promoted to Double-A but only had 63 plate appearances. Although, he did struggle to a 63 wRC+.

Hunt has plus power for a backstop. He has a projected 60-raw power grade as well as a 50-projected game power grade. Plus his hit tool is only a 45-grade. Fielding-wise, he’s about average with a strong arm.

Hunt being a power-hitting backstop with solid defense should intrigue any team in the Rule 5 draft. If he is still available when the Pirates’ pick comes up, they should consider him. Like with Genoves, the team has no 2nd backstop option. Hunt would provide a young power bat with upside.

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