Pittsburgh Pirates: One Breakout Prospect to Watch at Each Position

Third Base - Jhonny Severino

The Pirates acquired Jhonny Severino in the Carlos Santana trade. The infield prospect was the Milwaukee Brewers' top international signing from the same class that De Los Santos, Blanco Jr., and Plaz was from, three of which were ranked as top 30 international prospects by MLB Pipeline. The Brew Crew had offered Severino a $1.23 million signing bonus, and he's coming off a solid, albeit brief 2023 season.

Severino only had 63 plate appearances in 2023 for the Brewers' Arizona Complex League affiliate and the Pirate FCL team. However, he slashed .259/.302/.586. Severino hit five dingers while only striking out 11 times. Severino was extremely aggressive and only walked twice. But this, along with his .233 batting average on balls in play, would probably look better in a larger sample size than just 68 trips to the plate.

Severino has two plus tools. That's his raw power and arm strength. The infielder already stands at 6'1"/185 pounds. Like De Los Santos, his exit velocity numbers are outstanding, and he projects as a plus power hitter. His arm can make deep throws from third base as well. Severino has seen time at both shortstop and third base, however, is already a fringy runner.

He's another hitter with power potential, albeit some questions about his hit tool. But if he figures it out, you may be able to project another 30-home-run hitter. Severino is still a few years away from the big leagues, but an extended look in the DSL/FCL next season could be extremely beneficial for the slugging prospect.