3 players in Indianapolis the Pirates could rely on to impact the playoff push

The Pittsburgh Pirates' offense has gotten better after the deadline, but there is still room for improvement with around 50 games to go in the season. A playoff spot is a realistic goal for the remainder of the season and, to improve their chances, they should look to their Triple-A affiliate to help provide impact bats.

Indianapolis just went on a nine-game win streak, and their offense was a big part of it. There are multiple players on the team that could be nearing a promotion to the Pirates to provide a boost in offense. These three Triple-A standouts represent choices the Pirates could make to impact the big-league lineup down the stretch.

These 3 Pirates minor-leaguers could support the team's playoff push

Billy McKinney, Outfield

The Pirates traded for Billy McKinney from the Yankees during the offseason to add depth in the outfield. McKinney had a chance to make the team after a great spring training, but was optioned to Triple-A in a difficult decision instead. During May, he suffered an injury that forced him to miss two months of play, but he returned with the Indians in July.

In 33 games with Indianapolis this season, McKinney has an OPS of .782, which includes an impressive on-base percentage of .380 and a solid slugging percentage of .402. He has not hit for as much power this year as he normally does, with just five doubles and three home runs. His wRC+ remains decent at 104.

His bat has been about average in the minor leagues, paired with exceptional plate discipline. Where he brings the most value is against right-handed pitching. The Pirates need a left-handed bat that is consistent against right-handers, and McKinney can provide exactly that.

This season against right-handed pitching, McKinney has a whopping .889 OPS, with all of his extra base hits coming off righties; his batting average sits at .299 and he has driven in 15 runs against them. If McKinney is productive, it will be against right-handers. He is unserviceable against southpaws.

Oneil Cruz, Rowdy Tellez, and Ji Hwan Bae are the only left-handed bats on the Pirates' current roster. They have switch hitters in Bryan Reynolds and Yasmani Grandal, but they need a dedicated left-handed bat. McKinney is not an everyday player, but he is definitely a guy they could count on against right-handers, which fulfills the Pirates' current needs.

Billy Cook, Utility

The Pirates acquired Billy Cook from the Orioles at the trade deadline. The 25-year-old utility guy has been impressive at the plate this season, and could be nearing his major league debut. His ability to play multiple positions gives him a good opportunity to play anywhere for the Pirates on off days for starters.

This season in the minor leagues, Cook has a .283 batting average with 13 home runs and 56 runs batted in. He also has an impressive OPS of .868, which includes an on-base percentage of .377 and a slugging percentage of .491. He adds 20 doubles and four triples to his homers for a total of 37 extra-base hits, paired nicely with 18 stolen bases.

Cook has hit both right- and left-handers well so he is not a platoon piece. Adding Cook on the bench would help the Pirates defensively, potentially offensively, and on the base paths. He is making a great first impression with the Pirates' organization, which could result in a promotion.

Henry Davis, Catcher

Henry Davis has had a roller coaster of a season this year. He started 2024 as the Pirates' starting catcher, but was later demoted to Triple-A. After doing well with Indianapolis, Davis got another chance in Pittsburgh and once again struggled, but suffered a concussion, which led to him back to the minor leagues unceremoniously.

In 42 Triple-A games, Davis has a .314 batting average with an OPS of 1.024. His slugging percentage is great at .609 and his on-base percentage is at .415. He has hit 13 doubles and 11 home runs, along with 33 runs driven in. His wRC+ sits at 161 and his strikeout rate is at 23.8%. This success could get him back to the major league level, but the Pirates are well aware what he has done once he's been promoted in the past.

At the major league level this year, Davis has a .157 batting average with a home run and five runs batted in. His OPS sat at just .503, and that did not cut it. He had a strikeout percentage of 39.2% and a wRC+ of 47.

The major change in productivity between the two levels is significant and tough to navigate. It is way too early to consider Davis a Quad-A player, but if he can't continue his success from Triple-A to the majors, then the Pirates won't know what to do with him.

In the end, the Pirates know what Davis can do at the plate, given what he has shown with Indianapolis. At this point, they should let him work out his struggles at the major league level with a chance of repeating his outstanding success at Triple-A. If he does not perform well, though, his time in Pittsburgh may run out, with Joey Bart emerging and Endy Rodriguez returning from injury.

Overall, there are multiple players in the minor leagues that could make the leap to provide support to the Pirates. These three likely have the best chances to make an impact at the major league level before the end of this campaign.