Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Five Intriguing Players in the FCL & DSL

Raymond Mola

Jun-Seok Shim wasn’t the only top international prospect the Pirates signed this past off-season. Along with Shim, the Pirates also grabbed Dominican outfielder Raymond Mola. Mola is younger than Shim, as he’ll make his pro debut at just age-17. He is an overall well rounded outfield prospect.

Mola received 50 grades for each of his five tools by MLB Pipeline. There’s no tool here that stands out above the rest, however. But of all his tools, the one that could develop into a plus ability is his power. Mola is 6’2”, 190 pounds at just age-17, so he’s likely not done adding muscle to his frame.

He’ll likely start his pro career out in center field, but could settle into an outfield corner within the near future. He’s a solid runner as of right now, but could slow down once he starts filling out. Mola has also shown to be a decent defensive outfielder with a strong enough arm to play at all three outfield positions.

One thing that could help Mola develop is his advanced approach to the plate. His hit tool may never be on the level of Luis Arraez, but definitely could be a 50-55 weapon once everything is said and done. Given his power potential, Mola could be a high-impact bat in the future.

Mola signed for $600,000 and will start the year out with fellow international signee Shim at the Dominican Summer League. His development going forward will be interesting. He could be a five-tool outfielder, but in more of a jack-of-all-trades, master of none package where everything plays to an average to above average level, but nothing stands out as elite. However, I’m sure no one would complain about an outfielder who bats .260 with 20-25 home runs, and decent defense in LF/RF.