5 non-roster invitees to watch at Pirates spring training as possible impact additions

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The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Tuesday that they will have 14 non-roster invitees at spring training in 2025, giving fans a good glimpse of the future. And for some of these prospects, the future may be coming sooner rather than later.

Fans will undoubtedly be excited to see the likes of 2024 first-rounder Konnor Griffin getting his first taste of pro ball, and top-100 prospects like Termarr Johnson hoping to prove that he's ready to take the next step. In addition to those familiar names, there are a handful of other prospects that bear watching this year due to their potential to have a more immediate impact on Pittsburgh's Major League roster.

5 non-roster invitees to watch at Pirates spring training as possible impact additions

Bubba Chandler, RHP

Bubba Chandler is the obvious headliner of the group, entering this season ranked as the No. 15 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline. The right-hander split the 2024 season between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis, striking out 54 across his seven starts en route to a 1.83 ERA over 39 1/3 innings after his midseason promotion. It seems a foregone conclusion that Chandler will make his MLB debut with the Pirates at some point in 2025, and a strong showing this spring could potentially even earn him a spot in the Opening Day rotation.

Thomas Harrington, RHP

Thomas Harrington is another highly touted Pirates pitching prospect who had a solid season and earned a promotion to Triple-A last year. The right-hander, who is ranked MLB Pipeline's No. 80 prospect in baseball, went 7-3 with a 2.61 ERA in 22 appearances (21 starts) between Altoona and Indianapolis in 2024.

Jack Brannigan, INF

Jack Brannigan, the Pirates' No. 14 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, finished the 2024 season ranked fourth in the South Atlantic League with 18 home runs. The right-handed hitting third base and shortstop prospect has been sidelined by injuries and has yet to play a full season. But he has tons of raw power and, if he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be an answer to the Pirates' problems at the plate.

Anthony Solometo, RHP

Anthony Solometo's development has hit a snag since he made the jump to Double-A in the second half of 2023, and a down 2024 season saw his ERA balloon up to 5.98. He was placed on the development list in June before returning to Altoona in August of last year. He pitched five innings of one-run ball in his final start of the season, which seemed like a step in the right direction; but plenty of eyes will be on Solometo as he eyes a bounce-back year in 2025.

Matt Gorski, OF

Matt Gorski is unranked in the Pirates' farm system by MLB Pipeline, but he is an intriguing player to watch, given Pittsburgh's needs in the outfield and at the plate. Gorski spent the 2024 season with Triple-A Indianapolis, where he hit .257 with 24 doubles, five triples, 23 home runs and 67 RBI. The outfielder finished the season tied for sixth in the International League in home runs, fourth in slugging (.522) and tied for fifth in extra-base hits (52). He also leads all Pirates minor leaguers in home runs (84) since the beginning of 2021.

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