3 promotions that could make Pirates' surging High-A affiliate even stronger

The Pirates' best minor league affiliate to begin 2025 has easily been the Greensboro Grasshoppers. The Grasshoppers enter this next series with a record of 23-10, and their offense has been the root of their success. There is a strong chance this squad gets even better soon, as three more key prospects are nearing promotions to the High-A level as well.

Greensboro's roster is headlined by four prospects in MLB Pipeline's list for the Pirates top 30 prospects: Omar Alfonzo (19), Khristian Curtis (24), Keiner Delgado (26), and Shalin Polanco (29).

Interestingly enough, the bats leading this offense are unranked. Esmerlyn Valdez has generated a 162 wRC+ with a .964 OPS. Javier Rivas adds a 145 wRC+ and a .900 OPS. Maikol Escotto has also been a pleasant surprise with a 170 wRC+ and .984 OPS. These three are all unranked, but their performances have been excellent so far.

The small sample sizes these players have posted may keep them in High-A for a while, and these three potential promotions could help sustain this success.

These three possible promotions could strengthen the Pirates High-A affiliate.

Konnor Griffin

Konnor Griffin is the top hitting prospect in the organization and is showing all of his tools in Bradenton. Getting him to Pittsburgh as quickly as possible is the plan, but he has to develop into his upside before getting rushed to the big leagues. Nonetheless, he is showing what it takes to move up to the next level as just a 19-year-old.

In Low-A, Griffin has belted six home runs and stolen 13 bases while batting .282 (33/117). His wRC+ is up to 132, along with a strong OPS of .845. He has exceeded expectations so far and he is emerging as one of the best prospects in baseball. He is ready for the next level and could bolster this Grasshoppers lineup.

Axiel Plaz

Axiel Plaz is the 28th-ranked prospect in the organization, according to MLB Pipeline. He is another 19-year-old who is excelling in Bradenton and nearing a promotion to the next level. Alfonzo is the catcher and Valdez is incumbent the first baseman, but Valdez transitioning to left field would open a spot at first base for Plaz. His bat in the lineup would also boost that team, along with Valdez deepening a lack of outfield depth across the minor leagues.

So far in 2025, Plaz has generated a 144 wRC+ with an OPS of .867, stemmed from an on-base percentage of .397 and a .470 slugging percentage. He also strikes out at a low rate of 15.5% and bats .310 (31/100). His natural positions jam him out of Greensborob, so Valdez moving to left field would give him a spot at first base, making this lineup much stronger.

Inmer Lobo

Inmer Lobo is an unranked southpaw and has yet to have a season with an ERA over two. That is outstanding work for the 21 year old, which is starting to make the Hoy Park trade look like a bit of a success. It won't make a mark until it impacts the team in Pittsburgh, but this is a sign of things going in the right direction. Greensboro's pitching staff is somewhat weak right now, and Lobo could quickly change that.

Lobo currently has generated a 1.31 ERA with a FIP of 2.94 across 20.2 innings. His K/9 sits at 9.58, along with a WHIP of 1.02. Opponents are batting .162 against him and he holds a 10.8% walk rate. He would easily be one of the best pitchers on their High-A affiliate if promoted