Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: All-International Free Agent Team

First Base: – Alexander Mojica

Alexander Mojica was a 2018 international signee by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The offensive upside within Mojica is astounding. However, he’s not considered a good fielder at third base, only has 20-grade speed, and is likely a 1B/DH in the long run. He needs to hit to succeed, but he has an excellent chance to do so.

Mojica didn’t have the greatest of seasons in 2021. He batted just .209/.322/.341 with a .322 wOBA, and 87 wRC+. Although he had a respectable on-base percentage and a healthy 12.1% walk rate, Mojica struck out 26.5% of the time. After hitting eight home runs and having a .230 isolated slugging percentage in 2019, Mojica registered an isolated slugging (ISO) nearly 100 points lower at .132.

But one thing you have to keep in mind is that this was just his age-18 season. The average age for pitchers in this league was nearly 22-years-old, meaning Mojica was facing competition almost four years older than he was. He never had any experience outside of the first 218 plate appearances in Rookie-Ball back in 2019.

Mojica already stands at 6’1″, 250 pounds. His defense at third is questionable at best, and he’ll have to move across the diamond long-term. But he has above average grades for his hit and power tools. Although many clubs have some of their big, slugging prospects learn left field, ala Yordan Alvarez or Rhys Hoskins, this isn’t an option for Mojica as he’s arguably the slowest prospect in the system.

Regardless, it’ll be interesting to see how Mojica develops moving forward. First base is a position that the Pittsburgh Pirates have consistently struggled to develop quality players at, and the revolving door at the position doesn’t seem to have a high-quality answer long term. Mojica could eventually become that answer.