Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects Most Likely to Be Protected From Rule 5 Draft

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 16: Mike Burrows #50 of the National League pitches during the fifth inning of the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game against the American League at Dodger Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 16: Mike Burrows #50 of the National League pitches during the fifth inning of the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game against the American League at Dodger Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Pittsburgh Pirates
Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

Outfielder Matt Gorski

Few players in the Pirate farm system is more overlooked than outfielder Matt Gorski. Selected 57th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2019 MLB Draft, Gorski had a big breakout campaign in 2022.

Gorski would end up missing a big chunk of 2022 due to injury, including having his season ended early due to injury, he led all minor league hitters in home runs. Not just all minor league hitters in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system, but all minor league hitters across baseball.

The 24-year-old started the season with High-A Greensboro before moving up to Double-A Altoona. Gorski also got two plate appearances with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians in September before his season ended early due to injury.

Across the three levels Gorksi had 325 PAs, hitting for a .280/.358/.598 slash line with 24 home runs. Gorski collected extra base hits at a 12.0% clip, to go with a 10.2% walk rate and a wRC+ of 153.

Even though Gorski has just two PAs above the Double-A level, with his power potential, if left unprotected, he would almost assuredly be selected in the Rule 5 Draft. MLB teams are always looking for power, and someone would likely gamble on his power. Look for Gorski to be added to the 40-man roster.

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