Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Three Hitters Impressing in the FCL

Which hitters are impressing for the FCL Pirates thus far?
The Florida Complex League (FCL) Orioles played their first night game against the (FCL) Pirates at
The Florida Complex League (FCL) Orioles played their first night game against the (FCL) Pirates at / THOMAS BENDER/HERALD-TRIBUNE / USA TODAY
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Infielder Javier Rivas

20 year old infielder Javier Rivas has been a hitting machine in the FCL this season. The 6-foot-6 right-handed hitting Rivas has played second base, shortstop, and third base this season. He's also had 190 PAs at Low-A, but more on that later.

Through his first 117 PAs in the FCL this season Rivas has hit for a .330/.385/.481 slash line with a 126 wRC+, 5.1% walk rate, 24.8% strikeout rate, and an ISO of .151. He's stolen six bases and has 11 extra base hits.

Rivas' time in the FCL has come after he struggled with Low-A Bradenton this season. In 190 PAs with Bradenton this season Rivas hit for a woeful .188/.233/.244 slash line with a wRC+ of 32. His biggest issue was a 38.9% strikeout rate.

You never want to see a player demoted in the minor leagues. However, Rivas has responded to that exactly the way you want to see. He has gone down the FCL and done nothing but hit, putting himself in a position to get another chance at Low-A.