Pittsburgh Pirates Prospect 2022 Review: Jared Triolo

Pittsburgh Pirates utility prospect Jared Triolo had a strong season getting on base for the Double-A Altoona Curve during the 2022 season

The Pittsburgh Pirates farm system is a deep and talented one. However, there are some prospects who often times get lost in the shuffle and can be easily overlooked. Utility man Jared Tirolo is one of these prospects.

Triolo was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 72nd overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. Drafted out of the University of Houston, Triolo was viewed as a college hitter who could quickly climb through the Pirate farm system.

A third baseman by trait, Triolo has always excelled defensively. This included taking home a minor league Gold Glove Award at the position in 2021. However, with Ke’Bryan Hayes having third base locked down in Pittsburgh through at least 2030, Triolo began to play around the diamond more in 2022.

With Double-A Altoona, Tirolo also played shortstop and center field in addition to third base. While he had played some shortstop in the past, these were his first professional innings in the outfield.

In his first taste of action at the Double-A level, Triolo put together a strong season for the Curve. Throughout the season he just continued to get on base for Altoona and helped to be a table setter for their offense.

Triolo hit for a .282/.376/.419 slash line in 495 plate appearances for Altoona. He posted a 121 wRC+, a step back from his 128 wRC+ in 2021, and he hit nine home runs. His nine home runs was also a step backward from the 15 he hit in 2021.

Despite his struggles with the power, Triolo’s walk rate rose to a career high 12.7% which is well above average for a hitter. He also struck out at a clip of just 17.6%, which was also better than average in addition to being a career low. Triolo’s on-base ability led to him batting at the top of the Curve lineup most days.

This offseason Triolo is Rule 5 Draft eligible which leaves Ben Cherington and the Pirate facing a dilemma. If Triolo is not added to the 40-man roster, he will be exposed to the other 29 teams in December’s Rule 5 Draft.

On paper, Triolo may not look like a player that you would risk losing in the draft. However, with his ability to play multiple positions, including be a Gold Glove caliber defender at third base, combined with his strong on-base skills could make Triolo intriguing to a team in the draft.

Triolo would appear to be on pace to open the 2023 season with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. This would be his first trip to the Triple-A level and would put him on the doorstep of the major leagues. Triolo should be in line to make his MLB debut at some point in 2023, especially if his power is able to bounce back.