After hitting for power and getting on base at a high rate with Low-A Bradenton, the Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted third baseman Jack Brannigan to High-A Greensboro
Drafted out of Notre Dame, Jack Brannigan was one of the more intriguing picks of the 2022 MLB Draft. by the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the Fighting Irish, Brannigan was both a power pitcher and a power hitter.
Due to this, it led to some speculation that Brannigan may do both professionally. Thus far, he has only been a hitter for the Pirates. Focusing on hitting has worked out thus far for Brannigan, and now he is on his ay to High-A Greensboro.
After signing quickly following last July's draft, Brannigan played in the Florida Complex League, as well as with the Low-A Bradenton Marauders last season. He started this season back at Bradenton and found plenty of success.
Brannigan had 201 plate appearances with the Marauders this season. In these 201 PAs, the right-handed hitting Brannigan hit for a .253/.398/.451 slash line with a 137 wRC+. He had an isolated slugging (ISO) of .198, to go with a 15.9% walk rate, 26.9% strikeout rate, 7 home runs, 7 doubles, and 2 triples.
The 22-year-old has played 284 innings at third base this season and 46 innings at shortstop. He has alos made four starts at designated hitter. Last season, he made one start at DH, to go with 17 innings at third base and 27 innings at second base.
If Brannigan can continue to hit the ball well at High-A, especially if his power translate, he could put himself in a position to start the 2023 season with Double-A Altoona. It will be interesting to watch Brannigan's development at Greensboro the rest of the season.