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Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Prospects to Watch Early in 2023
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a ton of major league ready prospects, but these three could be part of the Opening Day roster with a strong spring training
Last month, we looked at three Pittsburgh Pirates prospects who could head North with the Major League club at the end of Spring Training. While you might not see any high-end top prospects, you still should see a few prospects make their major league debut in the first week of the season and be part of the Opening Day roster.
Today, I want to take at three more top prospects who might make the team’s Opening Day roster. These prospects are ready to make an impact on the major league club. While they still should make an appearance sometime in the 2023 season, they could end up as Opening Day rookies.
RHP Cody Bolton
Cody Bolton didn’t pitch in 2020 because of COVID shutting down the minor leagues and missed all of 2021 because of a meniscus injury. 2022 was a make-or-break year for Bolton, and while there were still some concerns, he put together a fairly solid campaign. Bullpen depth is currently the Pirates’ biggest weakness, so Bolton could secure a long-relief role next season.
Bolton spent the entire year at Triple-A Indy, where he racked up a total of 75.2 frames. He worked as a swingman, starting 14 of his 30 appearances. He had a solid 3.09 ERA, 3.81 FIP, and 1.28 WHIP during his time at Indy. Bolton struck out over a quarter of his opponents with a 25.4% K-rate, allowing just four home runs.
But there were some concerns about his season. Bolton walked 12.4% of the opponents he squared off against. Despite his low home run rate, he only had a 40.6% ground ball rate. His HR/FB ratio was just 5.1%, representing good flyball luck. Bolton had a 4.85 xFIP, which adjusts for his ground ball rate and HR/FB ratio.
But Bolton was still fairly solid overall. Bolton looked decent after missing two seasons. He was in the 92-95 MPH range with a decent slider. His command also got better as the season went on. He had a much more manageable 9.6% walk rate in the second half of the year. He might not be a starting pitcher, but he could make the occasional spot start here and there.
RHP Blake Cederlind
It’s been a while since Pirate fans have gotten to see Blake Cederlind. The last time he pitched a meaningful amount of innings was way back in 2019. After a 2021 Tommy John surgery and setbacks in the 2022 season, Cederlind looks to find a way back to the major leagues in 2023.
Back in 2019, Cederlind had a 2.28 ERA, 3.31 FIP, and 1.18 WHIP through 59.1 innings between Bradenton, Altoona, and Indy. Cederlind had a mediocre 21.6% strikeout rate and a 9.6% walk rate. However, he had a 48.4% ground ball rate, allowing just two home runs all season.
When Cederlind last pitched, it was 2020, and he displayed a high-90s sinker that hit 100 MPH. On top of that, he threw a cutter in the 88-91 MPH range. He only pitched four innings back in 2020, but it was a promising four innings. Unfortunately, health has not been on Cederlind’s side.
If Cederlind is healthy by the time Spring Training rolls around, I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing him take Duane Underwood’s role in the bullpen. Underwood has struggled in his two years in Pittsburgh, but Cederlind has yet to be given a chance, mainly because of injuries. The Pirates have an opportunity, given their lacking bullpen, and Cederlind deserves a look.
Outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba
Had it not been for a broken wrist, Canaan Smith-Njigba might not have been on this list. Smith-Njigba made his major league debut early into the 2022 season. However, a collision left him with a fractured wrist and out for the remainder of the year. But if he’s back to full strength at the start of next year, Smith-Njigba might make the roster as an LF/DH option.
Before Smith-Njigba reached the major leagues, the outfield prospect looked very good at Triple-A. In 218 plate appearances, the prospect hit .277/.387/.408 with a .363 wOBA and 118 wRC+. His 23.9% strikeout rate wasn’t great, but he’s always drawn a ton of walks. Smith-Njigba had a 15.1% walk rate, making it the third year in a row he’s had a 14%+ walk rate. However, despite his strong raw power, he had a .130 slugging percentage and just a single home run.
Defensively, Smith-Njigba isn’t great, but he has playing time at all three outfield spots. While he’s not a fast runner, he is a smart runner with an 84% stolen base success rate in 25 attempts. Smith-Njigba has a ton of raw power, grading out at 60, but he’s consistently had trouble lifting the ball. In both 2021 and 2022, he had a ground ball rate well above 50%.
Next. Pirates Add LHP in Rule 5 Draft. dark
Next year will be the outfielder’s age-23 campaign. Even in the event Bryan Reynolds is not traded, he could be in competition with Cal Mitchell for corner outfield/designated hitter duty. The offensive ceiling for Smith-Njigba is relatively high, and the Pittsburgh Pirates likely would have given him an extended look in 2022.