Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Examining Newcomers to FanGraphs List

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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 07: The helmet of Sean Rodriguez #3 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is seen before the National League Wild Card game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on October 7, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

RHP Luis Ortiz

After a phenomenal season at Low-A Bradenton, Luis Ortiz is making his debut on FanGraphs top prospect list. Ortiz was arguably a better pitcher than his teammate, Adrian Florencio, who won their league’s pitcher of the year award. Now going into his age-23 season, Ortiz will look to prove himself as he approaches the upper minors.

To say that Ortiz was dominant might be an understatement. In 87.1 innings, the 6’2″, 165-pound right-hander had a 3.09 ERA, FIP, and 1.26 WHIP. Ortiz only allowed five home runs while having a 30.1% strikeout rate. He also had a remarkable 7.4% walk rate. Despite his overall phenomenal numbers, Ortiz got somewhat unlucky. Although his 25.2% line drive rate wasn’t anything to brag about, his 49.1% ground ball rate and 25.7% fly ball rate were, and he still had a slightly high opponent .342 BAbip.

Ortiz throws his fastball into the mid-90’s and has hit 99 MPH before. His 70-projected grade for his four-seamer is the best grade among any Pirates minor league pitcher. He also has a slider that comes in around the mid-80’s. With late break, the breaking ball sits on the border of elite. The only question is whether or not his change-up will play well enough to make him a starting pitcher.

Even at the very worst, with solid command and two plus offerings, FanGraphs gives Ortiz the floor of a “dynamite reliever.” Next year maybe the real test for Ortiz as he could see time at Altoona. He’s 23-years-old, and after flat-out dominating Low-A batters, skipping High-A isn’t out of the question.

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