Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects Who Made Their Pro Debut in 2023

Garret Forrester

The Pirates took Garret Forrester as their third-round pick. The corner infielder only appeared in six games for A-Ball Bradenton, with 29 plate appearances. However, Forrester didn’t do bad. He had five hits and ten walks. He struck out seven times and didn’t have a single extra-base hit, but overall, it was a solid debut for the then-21-year-old.

Forrester did very well at Oregon State last year, batting .341/.485/.522 through 304 plate appearances. Known for his plate discipline and vision, Forrester drew walks at a strong 19.4% rate and struck out even less frequently with a 16.8% K%. While power isn’t his specialty, he did go yard ten times with a dozen doubles and a respectable .181 isolated slugging percentage.

There’s certainly potential for Forrester to hit for power in the future. He has a potentially plus hit tool with his outstanding pitch recognition. He also has good bat speed and can generate good pop. He’s more of a doubles-driver rather then a big-time home run hitter, but you’re still looking at a guy who could hit 30-40 doubles and 15-18 home runs.

The Pirates took Forrester as a third baseman, and that’s the only position he played for Bradenton. But he only saw time at first base this past season at Oregon. Forrester has a good enough arm, and he can play the part of a third baseman, but there are concerns about his mobility. He’s a well below-average runner, keeping his range at a questionable level. He may have to slide over to the other side of the infield if it does become a problem or if he is blocked at the Major League level if he makes it that far.