Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Potential 2022 Lineup for Double-A Altoona

Third Base: Jared Triolo

Jared Triolo was one of the more unsung heroes of the Pirate minor leagues last year. The infielder was a third-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019. After a solid showing at Low-A West Virginia, Triolo started 2021 at High-A Greensboro where he put up some impressive numbers.

Triolo batted .304/.369/.480 with a .371 wOBA, and 128 wRC+. He displayed respectable power, slugging 15 home runs with a .176 ISO. His plate discipline was also above average. Triolo drew a walk at an 8.9% pace but had a strikeout rate of just 19.9%. Like Gonzales, Triolo had a higher fly ball rate (38.3%) than ground ball rate (38%). His 23.8% line drive rate wasn’t as high as Gonzales’, but it was solid nonetheless and led to a .358 BAbip.

Triolo is one of Pittsburgh’s best fielding minor leaguers. He won the Gold Glove at his level and projects to be an above-average defender at third base. He also saw a handful of innings at shortstop, both in 2019 and 2021. He has the speed to play up the middle as he swiped 25 bases.

Triolo may not be the most popular prospect in the Pirates’ system, but he showed some promise last year. Altoona’s infield looks to be one of the best throughout the minor leagues. What’s even more impressive is that between second base, third base, and shortstop, Triolo is the third-best player. Triolo will be in his age-24 season. After his great season at Greensboro, you might be able to make the argument to jump him to Triple-A. Though a more likely scenario is that he starts the year at Double-A and is promoted to Triple-A by mid-May or earlier.