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

Feb 18, 2020; Texas Longhorns' Brenden Dixon (1) runs to second base during a game against UTSA in Austin on Tuesday, Februery 18, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Lola Gomez/American-Statesman - USA TODAY Network
Feb 18, 2020; Texas Longhorns' Brenden Dixon (1) runs to second base during a game against UTSA in Austin on Tuesday, Februery 18, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Lola Gomez/American-Statesman - USA TODAY Network /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 29: A detailed view of the Nike Cleats and Stance Socks worn by Erik Gonzalez #2 of the Pittsburgh Pirates during Game Two of the doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park on May 29, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 29: A detailed view of the Nike Cleats and Stance Socks worn by Erik Gonzalez #2 of the Pittsburgh Pirates during Game Two of the doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park on May 29, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Jasiah Dixon

Jasiah Dixon was an overslot pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2019 draft. A high-school outfielder coming out of Orange Lutheran in California, Dixon was picked in the 23rd round. He fits the profile of a highly athletic, raw talent.

During his first taste of action in 2019, Dixon collected 24 hits in his first 84 plate appearances. He also only struck out 11 times with 10 walks. Granted, he had just 6 extra-base hits, none of which left the park. The outfielder spent the 2021 season at A-Ball Bradenton and the Pirates’ Florida Coast League affiliate. Between the two levels, he performed better at Bradenton.

In 105 trips to the plate, Dixon posted a solid .244/.410/.305 line with a .366 wOBA, and 109 wRC+. Pretty much all of Dixon’s offensive contributions came from his ability to get on base. He saw his strikeout rate rise to 24.8%, but his walk rate sat at 18.1%. But that .410 OBP is quite deadly. He was 13-for-13 in stolen base attempts and is up there with Sergio Campana as arguably the Pirates’ fastest prospect.

Dixon has the potential for more power. He has quick hands and bat speed that may generate more power as he grows. However, even if he remains as a weak-hitter, if his ability to draw walks remains, he’ll be a phenomenal leadoff hitter. As mentioned earlier, Dixon might just be the fastest prospect in the Pirate farm system. Imagine a .350 on-base percentage with speed in the top 95th+ percentile. That’s the kind of potential player Dixon is.