5 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects whose careers were derailed by injuries

Travis MacGregor

The Pirates selected high schooler Travis MacGregor in the second round of the 2016 draft. He was inconsistent through his first few years, but was still considered a potential breakout prospect to watch, and one with a decent amount of future potential.

In 2018, MacGregor looked like he'd made a significant breakthrough. In 70.1 innings, the right-hander had a 3.13 ERA, 26.5% strikeout rate, and 7.3% walk rate. His 1.02 HR/9 was a tad high, but nothing poor, either. He also had a 1.22 WHIP and 3.89 FIP. Unfortunately, MacGregor’s season was cut short by Tommy John surgery. This also eliminated him entirely from 2019, and with 2020 being the COVID cut season, he was unable to return to the mound until two years later.

MacGregor got off to a solid start to that season. By the end of June, he owned a 3.68 ERA, 4.01 FIP, and 1.17 WHIP. He was still striking out just over a quarter of the batters he faced while carrying a 25.8% walk rate, and he cut his HR/9 rate down to 0.74. His walk rate of 9.3% was a touch higher than it was in 2019, but through his first 36.1 frames, it represented a decent start.

But after that point, MacGregor seriously struggled. Through his final 13 outings, the right-hander had a horrific 8.00 ERA, 5.89 FIP, and 1.67 WHIP. His K% dipped to 19.6%, while his walk rate rose to 10.8%. He also allowed a ton of home runs, posting a 1.67 HR/9 rate through 54 innings.

MacGregor continued to struggle as a long reliever/spot starter the next two seasons, pitching to a mediocre 4.54 ERA, 4.27 FIP, and 1.47 WHIP. He still induced a decent amount of Ks with a 26.1% K%, but was now allowing far too many free passes with an 11.2% BB%. At least his HR/9 rate remained under 1.00 at 0.91, but it was very little consolation. After the 2023 season, MacGregor hit minor league free agency and signed a deal with the LA Angels. His time in Pittsburgh was over.