How underrated prospect's season, position shift affect Pirates' long-term plans

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2023 draft could end up making a huge impact on the franchise. Paul Skenes was an historic first-overall pick who is the likely Rookie of the Year winner, and Zander Mueth was just named the Florida Complex League pitcher of the year. Beyond those public accolades, their second-round pick, Mitch Jebb, could soon make an impact, even after changing positions.

Coming out of Michigan State, Jebb displayed a potentially elite hit tool, albeit with little power. His first taste of pro action in 2023 with Bradenton went well and earned him a spot on Greensboro’s roster to open 2024. Unfortunately, Jebb’s first full season didn’t get started on the right foot.

His first two months saw him bat a paltry .200/.266/.300 with a .266 wOBA and 65 wRC+. The lack of power was not surprising, but his lack of plate discipline was. Jebb struck out just 11.6% of the time in his final college season with a 13.3% walk rate. He got even better at Bradenton with a 7.2% K% and 11.1% walk rate. But by the end of May this year, he had just an 8% walk rate and a strikeout rate of 26.3%.

But, at the start of the summer, Jebb finally began to hit the way many were expecting him to when the Pirates drafted him. Jebb has turned in a .297/.399/.398 triple-slash since June. Jebb’s ISO sitting a touch over .100 is expected, but he has struck out (15%) nearly as often as he’s walked (13.7%). He has attempted 36 stolen bases and has been successful 30 times. Jebb has a .375 wOBA and 133 wRC+ after digging out of a rut.

Pirates prospect Mitch Jebb could change positions and find MLB role

Jebb was drafted as a middle infielder. While he has the speed to play shortstop, his arm plays better at the keystone. But Oneil Cruz isn’t the only shortstop in the organization learning center field; Jebb has now logged five games played in center. It is the first time he has played the outfield since at least high school, as he didn’t play the position during college. Five games isn’t enough of a sample size to make any definitive conclusions about his defensive prowess at his new position, but he has made some nice plays so far. One thing is for certain, and that is his double-plus speed will definitely play in center, arguably even better than at second or short.

Jebb’s move to center field was because of the abundance of middle infielders in the Pirates’ system. But if Oneil Cruz can stick in center field long term, Jebb might find himself as a potential shortstop option for the Bucs in the very near future. If he continues to hit like he has been, he could be an option for the Pirates as early as sometime during the 2025 season.

One thing is for sure, and that is Jebb has the potential to be the PIrates’ next great leadoff hitter. He gets hits at a high rate, does not strike out, and draws plenty of walks. His speed will let him stretch an extra base, as well as will himself into scoring position on singles. His long-term defensive home could be affected by factors out of his control, but the bat has been promising so far.