Pittsburgh Pirates: One Underrated Prospect At Each Position

Right Field - Jase Bowen

Considering Jase Bowen a right fielder only would be greatly underestimating his utility, and even though he's garnering more attention, he's a player I feel deserves a spot somewhere on today's list. The utility man definitely has a chance to make his debut in 2024 and be a potential long-term super utility man for the Pirates.

Bowen hit .257/.333/.469 at Greensboro. The utility man went yard 23 times, and swiped 24 bags. But Bowen had just a 24.5% strikeout rate, with an unimpressive 7.1% walk rate. Regardless of his so-so BB% and strikeout rate, Bowen still turned in overall good production. He clocked in with a .336 wOBA, and 117 wRC+.

The Pirates promoted Bowen to Double-A late into the season, and he only appeared in eight games. Bowen collected 33 plate appearances, but was only able to manage seven hits, with one walk and seven strikeouts. However, he also had five extra base hits, that being three doubles and two triples, but none left the ballpark.

Bowen has shown off good exit velocities and the ability to hit for at least average power. He is more of a power-over-hit kind of batter, and he's struggled at times with his swing decisions. MLB Pipeline states he has improved, though he needs to keep making strides. Bowen can swipe a base with his above-average speed, making him a power/speed threat.

Since the start of the Arizona Fall League, Bowen has gone off, racking up 11 extra-base hits, going to the Arizona Fall LeagueAll-Star game, and earning a spot in the home run derby, where he smacked 18 dingers. The AZFL is a hitter-friendly league, but it's still nice to see Bowen doing so well thus far.

Bowen has displayed solid fielding prowess all over the field with a strong arm. He only played outfield and first base this past season, but he has experience at both second base and third base as a pro player. Bowen's lacking tool is his hit tool. He makes below-average swing decisions, which is something MLB Pipeline knocks him for.