Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Examining How Newcomers Have Performed

Other Prospects

These guys haven’t appeared yet for any of the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league affiliated teams, but they do have some professional experience under their belt. I still think it’s worth mentioning them and seeing what they could contribute in the future.

Right-handed pitcher Nic Laio

The Pirates picked up Nic Laio in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft from the Texas Rangers. In 56.1 innings, Laio had a 5.43 ERA, 5.20 FIP, and 1.30 WHIP. However, he did carry an exceptional 32.9% strikeout rate and 6.7% walk rate. Home runs were his most prominent issue, with a 2.24 HR/9 rate. He could improve based on his 3.40 xFIP. Laio brings a low-to-mid-90s four-seamer, a well-above-average slider, and a changeup that needs some work. He projects as a long relief man out of the bullpen who could make the occasional start.

First baseman Carlos Tirado

Carlos Tirado was one of the Pirates’ many international signings. Despite the 17-year-old having yet to appear in a game with any of the Pirates’ affiliates, he does have some experience at the independent level. In 100 plate appearances with the Pioneer League’s Rocky Mountain Vibes, Triado hit for a respectable .253/.320/.429 line. It is a small sample size in the indy leagues, but a .750 OPS from a 16-year-old isn’t half bad at that level. The first baseman stands at 6’1, 187 pounds, and projects to have above-average power with a decent hit tool.

Left-handed pitcher Angel Camacho

Angel Camacho was teammates with Triado with the Vibes in 2021. Although Triado did pretty well with the Vibes, Camacho did not. He only pitched 23 innings but gave up 23 earned runs on 18 walks and 21 strikeouts. The southpaw has a low-90 four-seam fastball to go along with a curveball and changeup that have potential. He’s only 18-years-old, but if he increases his fastball velo to the 92-95 MPH range and develops solid command by the time he’s 22-23-years-old, he might end up as a sneaky prospect to watch. Any lefty with a semi-decent fastball before their 20th birthday is always worth keeping an eye on.