Pittsburgh Pirates: Paul Skenes Among Prospects Invited to Spring Training

Paul Skenes highlights the list of prospects who are among the top prospects of the Pittsburgh Pirates to earn non-roster invitees to MLB spring training

Several of the Pittsburgh Pirates top prospects made the cut as the team announced 13 non-roster invitees for Spring Training 2024. This includes the no. 1 overall pick in last July's draft - right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes.

Skenes, owner of the Minors’ best fastball and slider according to MLB Pipeline, will join Pirates training camp in Bradenton, Florida. Pitchers Bubba Chandler, Jared Jones, and Anthony Solometo, all featured on MLB’s Top 100 prospects list, will stretch out with the big league club. Thomas Harrington, another highly-touted arm, also got the call.

All eyes will be on Skenes, ranked the best pitching prospect in baseball by virtually every trade publication. He ended 2023 with Double-A Altoona. Perhaps a strong spring would catapult him to Triple-A Indianapolis, just one step from the Majors. Jones could also make his case for an early season call-up, but he has some control issues that need to be addressed before he makes the leap.

Infield prospects Termarr Johnson and Jack Brannigan received invites as well. Although the Pirates need utility infield options, it is unlikely either youngster makes the jump to the Majors in 2024. Johnson and Brannigan closed out last season with High-A Greensboro, so Spring Training will pose a significant challenge. Outfielder Matt Gorski, a power-speed threat who could land in Pittsburgh this season, will head to Bradenton, as well.

Right-handed pitcher Sean Sullivan, catchers Carter Bins and Abrahan Gutierrez, and infielders Andres Alvarez and Joe Perez round out the non-roster group. Pitchers and catchers report on February 14.