3 underrated Pirates prospects who could make surprise MLB debuts in 2025

These underrated Pirates prospects could surprise some fans and make their MLB debuts in 2025.

Florida pitcher Hunter Barco, left, throws out Vanderbilt   s Enrique Bradfield Jr. (51) at first base during the second inning of an NCAA college baseball game Friday, April 15, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Nas Vanderbilt Vs Florida Baseball 011
Florida pitcher Hunter Barco, left, throws out Vanderbilt s Enrique Bradfield Jr. (51) at first base during the second inning of an NCAA college baseball game Friday, April 15, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Nas Vanderbilt Vs Florida Baseball 011 | Mark Zaleski/ The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
2 of 3

Sammy Siani

The Pirates originally drafted Sammy Siani as a competitive bonus pick in 2019. Although he always showed some decent speed and fielding prowess, his bat never came along like the Bucs hoped it would - but he’s coming off his best year yet. Siani spent the year at High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona, and could factor into the Pirates’ Major League depth chart in the very near future.

Siani opened the year for Greensboro, batting .324/.402/.563 with a .433 wOBA and 170 wRC+. He struck out in just 11% of his plate appearances, with a walk rate of 12.2%. It only took 20 games and 82 plate appearances for the Pirates to promote Siani to Double-A Altoona. He didn’t get off to a great start, as he hit just through his first 219 plate appearances.

On the plus side, he ended the year on a high note. His final 149 plate appearances saw him bat .295/.372/.394 with a .355 wOBA and 124 wRC+. His isolated slugging percentage was still below .100, but he cut his K% down below 20% to 18.1% and upped his walk rate to 10.1%. Siani then went on to put up a strong Arizona Fall League performance, posting a 1.007 OPS in 92 plate appearances.

Siani stole six bases in six attempts in the AZFL, along with 16 during the regular season. He has now swiped at least 15 bags in three straight seasons. Siani saw playing time at all three outfield positions. He has plenty of defensive prowess to stick in center field and racked up a dozen outfield assists in 2023.

If the Pirates need a lefty-hitting outfielder who can play center, then Siani may get his chance in the big leagues in 2025. Although Siani may not have the bat to make a significant impact in the lineup, his speed and defense will give him a chance to carve out a career as a defensive-first, fourth outfield type.

Luckily, after the Pirates left him unprotected ahead of this year's Rule 5 Draft, his Arizona Fall League success didn't sway anyone to claim him. Pittsburgh will receive a second chance here.

Schedule