Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects 2022 Outlook: Jared Triolo

One of the more overlooked prospects in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system is infielder Jared Triolo who could be in store for a big 2022 season

There are few prospects in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system who gets overlooked more often than Jared Triolo. This is despite Triolo having been the 72nd overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and having been an above average hitter in his professional career.

Triolo was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of the University of Houston. The Pirates drafted the right-handed hitting Triolo as a third base man, but he has also played shortstop in his professional career.

After being drafted Triolo accumulated 264 plate appearances in 60 games played at the Low-A level in 2019. Triolo hit for a .239/.314/.389 slash line to go with a 110 wRC+, 10.2% walk rate, and just an 18.6% strikeout rate. He hit 2 home runs and posted an isolated slugging (ISO) of .150.

Triolo spent the entirety of the 2021 season at the High-A level and made big strides as a hitter. In 473 PAs across 108 games played, Triolo hit for a .304/.369/.480 slash line. He posted a 128 wRC+, saw his ISO climb to .176, a 9.3% extra base hit rate, and he hit 15 home runs. While his walk rate did decline, it was still a strong 8.9% while his strikeout rate of 19.9% remained lower than the average strikeout rate for a hitter.

Triolo has maintained quality contact rates in his two professional seasons. His line drive rates have been 24.6% and 23.8%, while he has hit fly balls at a 37.4% and 38.3% rates. His ground ball rate in both of his seasons has been 38.0%, which is a number you would like to see come down a bit.

Looking ahead to 2022, Triolo should start the season at third base with the Double-A Altoona Curve. 2022 could be a big season for Triolo, especially if he can continue to build upon the strides he made last season.

If Triolo can have a strong season for the Curve he could find himself with Triple-A Indianapolis before the end of the season. Triolo will turn 24-years-old next month and was drafted as an advanced college hitter.

Had it not been for the lack of a minor league season in 2020, Triolo may have already made his Double-A debut and could be in line to make his MLB debut in 2022. To be honest, a 2022 MLB debut by Triolo still can not be ruled out.

Even if Triolo does not make his MLB debut in 2022 he should find himself at the Triple-A level by the end of the season, putting himself in line for a promotion in 2023. Triolo is a prospect that often times gets overlooked in the Pirate farm system, but could have a big future ahead with the Bucs.