Pittsburgh Pirates: One Underrated Prospect At Each Position

Left Field - Charles McAdoo

The Pirates took Charles McAdoo in the 13th round of the 2023 draft. McAdoo is a bat first utility prospect, and he's played a little bit of everywhere throughout college. He was primarily a second baseman in his final season, but he also saw time at both corner outfield positions, third base, and first base.

During his final season at San Jose State, McAdoo slashed .325/.409/.543. He cranked out ten home runs while having an 11.9% walk rate and a 15.2% strikeout rate. He also hustled out 19 doubles, and hit 20+ two-baggers in 2022. However, what was more promising was his season at the Northwoods Summer League. He hit ten dingers, but in 190 plate appearances. The thing is, the NWSL is a wood bat league, so going from a metal bat to wood stick did not affect him much.

McAdoo got his first taste of playing time at Bradenton this season, appearing in 28 games and stepping to the plate 114 times. He collected 29 hits, including nine extra-base hits (three doubles, a triple, and five round-trippers). He also walked (17) nearly as many times as he struck out (22). It was a small sample size, but resulted in a 151 wRC+.

While McAdoo's lower half is a bit stiff, and he takes a short toe-tap behind him before making his swing. His follow-through has some traces of Miguel Andujar in it as well. McAdoo has an average arm, but his range and athleticism is below average. While McAdoo mostly played left field for the Marauders, he also lined up at second base and first base.

McAdoo has the chance to be a quality bat first utility man. He's shown off good plate discipline, both in college and as a pro batter, as well as above average raw power. We will see how his bat develops, but his versatility will keep him around.