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Pittsburgh Pirates: Underrated Offerings in the System

By Noah Wright|
TALLAHASSEE, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Third Baseman Drew Mendoza #22 and Outfielder J.C. Flowers #8 of the Florida State Seminoles exchange hand shakes during the team's intro before the game against the Maine Black Bears at Dick Howser Stadium on the campus of Florida State University on February 15, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The 11th Ranked Florida State defeated the Maine Black Bears on Opening Day in a no-hitter 11 to 0. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Third Baseman Drew Mendoza #22 and Outfielder J.C. Flowers #8 of the Florida State Seminoles exchange hand shakes during the team's intro before the game against the Maine Black Bears at Dick Howser Stadium on the campus of Florida State University on February 15, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The 11th Ranked Florida State defeated the Maine Black Bears on Opening Day in a no-hitter 11 to 0. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Pirates
(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Carlos Jimenez’s changeup

Carlos Jimenez, in general, is an underrated arm in the Pirates’ system. Through 73.1 innings as a professional, Jimenez has a strong 2.82 ERA, 3.83 FIP, and 1.27 WHIP. Jimenez has a hearty 28.3% strikeout rate and great .49 HR/9. However, command hasn’t been a significant strength for him, with a 10.2% walk rate.

What makes Jimenez stand out from many of the underrated arms in the Pirates’ system is his change-up. Some might even say it’s the best change-up in the system. He gets a ton of whiffs at his change, which has led to most of his strikeouts. He pairs this nicely with a fastball that rides through the zone, along with a slurve-like breaker.

Jimenez is definitely one pitcher to watch next season. You can’t help but be intrigued by a right-hander who has an elite change-up before even turning 20-years-old. He isn’t the highest-ranking prospect or one of the organization’s best international signings from a previous year, but for sure a guy to keep an eye on.

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