Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: 2022 Minor League Statistical Leaders

BRADENTON, FLORIDA - MARCH 16: Mike Burrows #93 of the Pittsburgh Pirates poses for a picture during the 2022 Photo Day at LECOM Park on March 16, 2022 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
BRADENTON, FLORIDA - MARCH 16: Mike Burrows #93 of the Pittsburgh Pirates poses for a picture during the 2022 Photo Day at LECOM Park on March 16, 2022 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Feb 18, 2020; Texas Longhorns’ second base Brenden Dixon (1) swings the bat during a game against UTSA in Austin on Tuesday, Februery 18, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Lola Gomez/American-Statesman – USA TODAY Network
Feb 18, 2020; Texas Longhorns’ second base Brenden Dixon (1) swings the bat during a game against UTSA in Austin on Tuesday, Februery 18, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Lola Gomez/American-Statesman – USA TODAY Network /

Walk Rate (Batter)
Brenden Dixon

Brenden Dixon is an unlikely name you probably didn’t think you would see today. Dixon was drafted out of Weatherford College as the 20th and final round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021. Dixon made a great first impression in 2021 with a 1.082 OPS through his first 43 plate appearances as a pro baseball player, but 2022 wasn’t as kind to him.

Dixon played the entire season at ALow-A Bradenton, where he slashed .208/.337/.346. He had just a .329 wOBA and 102 wRC+, making him just 2% better than the league average. The utility infielder had a .138 ISO and struck out just over 30% of the time with a 30% strikeout rate. Not the best season, but he did lead all Pirates minor leaguers in walk rate.

With 52 walks in 347 plate appearances, Dixon clocked in with a 15.3% walk rate. He outpaced the second-place finisher, Andres Alvarez, by 0.9%. Despite his poor strikeout rate, Dixon still had a BB:K ratio of just over a half at .51.

Dixon may not be a top prospect, but for a 20th-round pick, he hasn’t been terrible. He’s seen time all over the infield, playing at second base, third base, first base, and saw time at shortstop in college. Next year he’ll likely be a part of Greensboro’s infield rotation.