Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Outfielder Who Needs Promoted to Double-A

Under-the-radar outfield prospect Jasen Bowen needs to be promoted to Double-A by the Pittsburgh Pirates

When people think of the Pittsburgh Pirates and their farm system players such as Endy Rodriguez, Jared Jones, Anthony Solometo, and Termarr Johnson likely come to mind. One player who likely does not is outfielder Jase Bowen.

Well, Bowen is a prospect that fans need to start paying more attention to. Especially in a farm system that is not very deep in terms of outfield talent.

The Pirates selected Bowen in the 11th round of the 2019 draft. Of course, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bowen did not play in 2020 as there was no minor league season. After a sluggish 2021 season, Bowen has put up strong numbers since the start of last season.

Between Low-A Bradenton and High-A Greensboro, Bowen has hit for a .258/.329/.452 slash line in 821 plate appearances. He owns an 8.2% walk rate, 26.7% strikeout rate, .195 isolated slugging (ISO), and a wRC+ of 116.

Bowen's overall numbers the past two seasons would be even better had he not struggled in his first taste of High-A action late last season. This season Bowen has made adjustments, and owns a .261/.336/.506 slash line for Greensboro with a 125 wRC+ and .245 ISO. Bowen's slugging percentage and ISO are both career highs, and he's already hit a career best 17 home runs this season.

Bowen has also made huge strides this season with his swing-and-miss issues of the past. Bowen owns a 25.1% strikeout rate which is the lowest of his career since he struck out at a 23.8% clip in the rookie league during the summer of 2019 after being drafted.

In addition to less swing-and-miss, Bowen is also putting the ball in the air more. His 33.9% ground ball rate is the lowest of his career while his 42.9% fly ball rate is a new career high. His 23.3% line drive rate is a 5% increase over last season.

Bowen will turn 23-years-old in September. He is getting to a point where he is too old to still be at the High-A level, especially with his production. It's time for the Pirates to make Bowen the next prospect who gets moved up and promote him to Double-A Altoona.