Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Late Round Draft Picks to Watch in 2022

Brenden Dixon

The Pittsburgh Pirates used their final pick of the 2021 draft on infielder Brenden Dixon. Now, granted, he was a 20th round pick, but the Pirates could find a diamond in the rough with Dixon. The middle infielder had one of the best starts to his pro career out of all the Pirates’ draft picks.

Dixon received 43 plate appearances at the Florida Coast League. During those 43 trips to the plate, he had 10 hits as well as 10 walks. Dixon’s OBP was approaching .500 in the small sample size, sitting at .488. Plus of those 10 hits, one as a double, another was a triple, and two more were home runs. On the downside, he had 12 strikeouts, which led to a 27.9% strikeout rate.

Dixon is an above-average defender at both second base and shortstop. His arm, while not the strongest, can play at both positions. He may have a bit of trouble with the long throws from short, but aside from that, he has the hands and quickness to play the position.

Now yes, Dixon was a 20th round pick. He was one of the last players overall selected in the 2021 draft. But Dixon has displayed plus-plus swing-speed and an ability to play up the middle. You can’t rule out the jury on Dixon just yet because he was a very late-round selection.