Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: 3 Top Relievers

The Pittsburgh Pirates have many top starting pitching prospects, but let’s take a look at some of the team’s best relief pitching prospects.

Most of the time, the best reliever was once a starting pitching prospect. Josh Hader was once MLB’s best pitching prospect. Liam Hendriks was a top-pitching prospect in the Minnesota Twins’ system. Both Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman made a handful of starts at the beginning of their careers.

However, there are some instances where highly effective relievers were drafted as relievers. The Pittsburgh Pirates have picked up some relievers through the draft and international market. They could be long-term pieces of the team’s bullpen.

Tyler Samaniego

The Pittsburgh Pirates had a phenomenal 2021 draft. When you think of that draft, Bubba Chandler, Anthony Solometo, and Owen Kellington are the first names that come to mind. One of the pitchers that most don’t think of is 15th round pick southpaw Tyler Samaniego.

Tyler Samaniego came out of the University of Southern Alabama. He was the team’s closer, saving 7 games. He tossed 17.2 innings posting a so-so 4.03 ERA but struck out 36.5% of all the batters he faced while allowing just a single home run. Samaniego did run into some walks with 9 free passes. However, a very good way to end his college career.

Samaniego started his pro career with 7 innings at Low-A Bradenton. He allowed just one earned run on a home run, but also allowed just two walks and struck out 15. He faced 28 batters and K’d 15.

Samaniego tosses a four-seamer in the mid-90’s, as well as a wipeout slider. He does have some command issues, but he’s a southpaw reliever with a good fastball and breaking ball. The Pirates haven’t had very many good left-handed relief prospects since the likes of Tony Watson and Justin Wilson.

Next year will be his age-23 season. There’s an argument he could start at Double-A, but most likely will get things kicked off at High-A. Still, Samaniego could be a potential late-inning lefty reliever for the Pirates as soon as 2023.