4 notable Pirates prospects who will be fighting for 40-man roster spots this year

2. Jack Brannigan

Jack Brannigan was the Pirates’ third-round pick in 2022 out of Notre Dame. So far, he’s looked like a great selection. After a strong 2023 season where Brannigan had a 146 wRC+ in 374 plate appearances between Bradenton and Greensboro, falling just one home run shy of a 20/20 season, he followed that up with a strong encore last year.

Brannigan batted .238/.344/.490 with a .378 wOBA and 135 wRC+ for Greensboro last campaign. Power was once again one of his strong suits, as he went yard 18 times in 341 plate appearances with a .252 isolated slugging percentage, which was the third-highest mark among High-A batters with at least 300 plate appearances. While Brannigan struck out in 26.1% of his plate appearances, it was an improvement from 29.9% in 2023. He also still drew his fair share of walks, with an 11.4% BB%, and swiped a dozen bags in 15 attempts.

The Pirates originally drafted Brannigan as a two-way player who could throw upper-90s on the mound. That arm has translated very well into the field, as he has the strongest arm among the Pirates’ position player prospects. Brannigan mostly played the hot corner in college when he took the field, but has transitioned nicely into a middle infielder, and he saw most of his playing time at shortstop last year. The only tool Brannigan doesn’t project as average or better in is his hit tool.

Brannigan is a plus defensive infielder at second base, third base, and shortstop, and has shown the potential to be both a power and speed threat. His versatility alone would make him an interesting prospect in the Rule 5 draft. If he shows any semblance of offensive upside at Double-A in 2025, the Pirates will almost have to find room for him somewhere on the 40-man roster.