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

By Noah Wright

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 03: Connor Scott #81 of the Miami Marlins warms up before the start of the Spring Training game against the Washington Nationals at The Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on Marc h 3, 2021 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 03: Connor Scott #81 of the Miami Marlins warms up before the start of the Spring Training game against the Washington Nationals at The Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on Marc h 3, 2021 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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Shortstop: Liover Peguero

Gonzales’ double-play partner Liover Peguero will also make the jump to Double-A. The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Peguero in the Starling Marte deal and Peguero has quickly built up his prospect status since being acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now, he ranks as a consensus top 100 prospect.

Last year, Peguero posted a solid .270/.332/.444 line at Greensboro to go with a .338 wOBA, and 108 wRC+. He only had a 7.9% walk rate and 25.2% strikeout rate, which isn’t anything to write home about, but he popped 14 long balls and put up a .174 isolated slugging percentage.

Peguero also had a phenomenal second half of the season. From July 25th onward, Peguero hit .301/.359/.509 with a .374 wOBA, and 130 wRC+. He upped his walk rate to 8.3% while having a .209 isolated slugging percentage. With 8 home runs in just 163 plate appearances, he put himself on pace for 30+ in a full season.

On the defensive side of the ball, Peguero is a solid defender up the middle with Gold Glove potential. Sure, many will point to the 23 errors he made, but errors are the worst way to judge a player defensively. Remember, since post-integration, Luis Aparicio is 3rd in shortstop errors, Ozzie Smith is 11th, and fielding percentage states that Freddy Galvis is the third-best defender of all time at short.

Regardless of the number of errors he has committed, Peguero has the speed and arm to remain at shortstop long term. He’s shown the hands to play at short. He has Gold Glove potential over at the middle infield spot.

Peguero is one of the few prospects with a very good chance of being a true five-tool major leaguer. His power has steadily increased since he arrived in the pros in 2018. However, you have to keep in mind that he is still very young. 2022 will be his age-21 season. He was about 3 years younger than the average pitcher at High-A. He might not see the major leagues next season but is absolutely a candidate to get an early season 2023 call-up.

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