Pittsburgh Pirates Prospect 2022 Outlook: Reliever Bear Bellomy

Right-handed relief pitcher Bear Bellomy will be a Pittsburgh Pirates prospects to watch during the 2022 minor league season

One of the best names in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system belongs to right-handed relief pitcher Bear Bellomy. The 25-year-old Bellomy made a big jump from High-A up to Triple-A at the end of the 2021 season and could be in line for a big 2022 season.

Last season Bellomy pitched 67 innings in 34 relief outings for the High-A Greensboro Grasshoppers. With Greensboro, Bellomy posted a 4.57 ERA and a 4.69 FIP. He walked 6.0% of batters faced, struck out a heath 30.0% of batters faced and allowed home runs at a rate of 1.75 HR/9.

Both Bellomy’s walk and strikeout rates were strong. Especially his strikeout rate which was well above league average. However, his overall numbers with Greensboro were hurt by his struggles with the home run ball.

Bellomy then went on to pitch for the Peoria Javelinas of the Arizona Fall League. Bellomy pitched 11.2 innings in 8 relief appearances in the AFL. He posted a 3.86 ERA, walked 4 batters, struck out 9, and allowed just 1 home run in the AFL. Bellomy also limited opposing batters to 10 base hits. Bellmen had a stronger showing in the AFL in 2021 than he did in the minor league season which was an encouraging sign.

Bellamy’s fastball sits in the low 90’s. The 29th round pick from the 2019 MLB Draft also throws a curveball and a changeup. IF one of these two pitches can come along to go with his fastball, he could quickly become a plus relief pitching prospect.

Looking ahead to 2022 Bellomy could have a few landing spots when the season begins.

After spending almost his entire 2021 season at the High-A level he made one outing for Triple-A indy in September. In this lone outing Bellomy allowed a hit, retiring three of four batters faced on his way to posting a scoreless inning.

Due to skipping Double-A last season and making just one appearances at Triple-A, Bellomy may start the season with Altoona. He could also start the season where he ended 2021 with Triple-A Indy.

Regardless of where Bellomy starts the season if he pitches well he could put himself in position to make his MLB debut in 2022 if there is a MLB season. Bullpens go through plenty of pitchers over the course of the season and this could work in Bellamy’s favor if he pitches well and there is a MLB season in 2022.