3 exciting Pittsburgh Pirates prospects who will get an extended look in 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates have graduated a ton of top prospects over the last two years, leaving their farm system filled with prospects who have yet to have a chance to make a name for themselves. They may be recent draft picks or international signees. Still, they have yet to play professionally or play above a short-season level like the Florida Complex League or Dominican Summer League.

But next year, these prospects should get a chance at extended playing time. They’ve either excelled in the FCL or DSL this year and have earned that promotion, or were a draft pick that is talented enough to play at Bradenton sometime during 2025. Either way, these exciting Pirates prospects will get a longer look next season.

David Matoma

David Matoma is a fun player to talk about, so I’ll always look for any excuse to bring him up. Since the Ugandan-born right-hander should open 2025 at Bradenton, the first full-season level of the minor leagues, we should finally get to see what the flamethrower can do in a full sample size. He excelled at the Florida Complex League, displaying elite stuff on the mound.

Matoma pitched 22 innings, working to an 0.82 ERA, 3.10 FIP, and 1.09 WHIP. He struck out 30.4% of opponents with a 9.8% walk rate. Matoma allowed just a single home run through his time at the FCL. It was a small sample size where Matoma was only utilized as a reliever, but he flashed his potential when given playing time.

Matoma has a sizzling fastball that sits in the upper 90s and tops out in the triple digits. His secondaries include a slider that has shown above-average potential, as well as a changeup. Matoma has some projectability, given his 6’0”, 155-pound frame. Matoma was only used out of the bullpen last year. While there’s a chance he could develop as a starter, Matoma is probably best suited for the 'pen.

Matoma has the upside of a potential lockdown closer in the near future. He is already topping out in the triple digits while only being 18 years old (19 in February). There are not very many teenagers in the world who can throw as hard as Matoma can. He could potentially be one of the best relief prospects in baseball by the end of next season.