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Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Two Young Catchers to Watch
By Noah Wright
Axiel Plaz
Signed out of Venezuela this past off-season, the Pittsburgh Pirates gave Axiel Plaz a $350,000 signing bonus. Plaz put up some crazy numbers in his small sample size at the Pirates’ Dominican Summer League affiliate. In just 86 plate appearances, Plaz collected 26 hits and 13 walks. Of those 26 hits, three were home runs, and 11 more were doubles.
Overall between Plaz’s ability to draw walks and hit for power, the backstop batted .382/.500/.706 with a .550 wOBA and 210 wRC+, making him 110% better than the average batter at the DSL. He also swiped two bags and only struck out 16 times. He had an even split between his three batted ball types, posting a 33.3% rate in line drives, ground balls, and flyballs.
Plaz has recieved good reviews for his defensive prowess. With plus power potential, Plaz has two attributes that you like to see from backstop prospects. Plaz is only 17 years old and stands at 5’11”, 165 pounds. Plaz has room to grow. There’s some projectability here, which is why he has above average power potential.