Murf Gray's rapid rise could tempt Pirates into a costly mistake

When the Pirates drafted third baseman Murf Gray out of Fresno State in July 2025, they may have tipped their hand a little bit. After all, the Bucs had a third baseman locked in through at least 2029 in two-time Gold Glover Ke’Bryan Hayes.

It seemed like Gray would have to wait his turn and spend some time developing in the Minors before getting a crack at dethroning Hayes. Just two weeks later, the Pirates traded Hayes to Cincinnati, opening a pathway for Gray to rocket his way to Pittsburgh… for better or worse.

In his first season of professional baseball, Gray has put up eye-popping numbers. Catapulting from Single-A Bradenton to Double-A Altoona, the 22-year-old has clubbed 28 home runs and managed a .402 on-base percentage despite striking out more than 100 times. It seems like he is destined for the big leagues sooner rather than later, but rushing the young prospect into an Opening Day roster spot may hurt both Gray and the Pirates.

Murf Gray is looking like the Pirates’ third baseman of the future, but for the sake of his development, the future can wait

Two areas of improvement for Gray are sure to be exploited as he battles through the upper levels of the farm system: plate approach and defense. He’s a free-swinger, striking out in more than a third of his at-bats so far at Double-A.

Gray does tend to have a good eye, though, with a 16.7% walk rate with Altoona. More games under his belt, particularly against opponents without big-league stuff, will hopefully enable him to make more consistent contact and bring down the strikeouts.

His defense at the hot corner could take much longer to fully develop. Gray’s fielding percentage has declined at each step of his journey through the Minors. He doesn’t have great reactions or hands, but he has a cannon for an arm. One could dream about a world where Hayes still wears the black and gold if only to mentor Gray during spring training.

The Pirates’ desperate need at third base and the front office’s desire to avoid spending money on a free agent to fill that hole may push the team to rush Gray up the ladder. If Pittsburgh chooses that path, the team could be hindering the long-term development of one of their most promising young players in exchange for short-term hope.

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