Pirates top prospect must be first call-up following trade deadline after power surge

Billy Cook has been on a heater in Triple-A and has earned a spot in Pittsburgh following the trade deadline. He was recalled earlier this season when Bryan Reynolds went on the paternity list, but did not stay up. These last two months have shown the organization that he has what it takes to compete in the big leagues. He just needs a chance.

His cold streak to start the season held him back from being promoted initially. Then, once he raised his average a ton, the power lagged behind, and it wasn't until June that he hit his first home run on the year. Then July hit, and Cook went on a big power surge, slugging seven home runs. Last week, Cook hit a homer in three straight games and is pushing for a promotion.

On the year, Cook is now batting .246 with eight home runs and 42 RBI. He has stolen 13 bases and his OPS, which recently reached .715, is now down to .698 with a middling strikeout rate. His numbers are somewhat average, yet looking at where they were at in May, with no homers and below a .200 average, these really aren't terrible.

Pirates need to give Billy Cook a longer look after a spot opens up following the MLB Trade Deadline.

Of course, as is always the case with the Pirates, there's still an impediment to his promotion.

Tommy Pham inexplicably wasn't traded at the deadline, which should've opened a spot for Cook. Since they couldn't deal Pham, they should now open spots in the outfield by DFA'ing Jack Suwinski and Alexander Canario. There are so many opportunities for the Pirates to get Cook up here now, and after the deadline is the perfect time to experiment.

Not only will he see time in the outfield, but Cook can also play first base and could give Spencer Horwitz time off in a platoon role. Horwitz doesn't play well against left-handed pitching at all, and Cook does well against southpaws.

Cook is the hottest hitter in the Pirates' minor leagues right now and he should definitely join the team in Pittsburgh sooner rather than later. He was a sneaky pickup last offseason, and now that he is showing that he can positively contribute to the team, it's time to give him a chance. Getting him consistent playing time could help the offense a ton, especially if he keeps hitting like he has this July.