Former Pittsburgh Pirates Currently With Independent League Teams

Aug 4, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Alex McRae (51) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 4, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Alex McRae (51) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 16: Troy Stokes Jr. #69 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park on May 16, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 16: Troy Stokes Jr. #69 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park on May 16, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

OF Troy Stokes Jr.

The Milwaukee Brewers drafted Troy Stokes Jr. in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB draft. He steadily made his way through the Brewers’ system, showing off a power/speed combination. Going into 2018, MLB Pipeline ranked him as the Brewers’ 22nd best prospect, praising his compact frame and base running ability.

However, after performing well with each of the Brewers’ minor league affiliates, he struggled once he reached Triple-A. He had just a .726 OPS in 2019 and was selected off waivers by the Detroit Tigers in late September of that season. After his stint with the Tigers, the Pirates claimed him in January 2021.

Stokes Jr. only appeared in eight games for the Pittsburgh Pirates, collecting two hits and one walk in 20 trips to the plate. In a strange series of events, the Pirates traded Stokes Jr. and relief pitcher Jandel Gustave back to Milwaukee for young international signee Samuel Escudero. Escudero currently has a .419 OBP and .771 OPS for the Pittsburgh Pirates Dominican Summer League affiliate.

Stokes Jr.’s return to Milwaukee wasn’t great. He had just a.606 OPS for their Triple-A affiliate and was granted free agency following the ‘21 season. He has since been playing with the York Revolution of the Atlantic League, where he’s done quite well. He’s batting .269/.361/.431 with ten homers, 22 doubles, and 29 stolen bases in 92 games/415 plate appearances.