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Underrated 20-and-under prospects in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system

The Pirates have a multitude of young prospects who deserve some recognition.
ByNoah Wright|
Jun 20, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Draft prospect Luke Scherrer during a high school baseball game at the MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jun 20, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Draft prospect Luke Scherrer during a high school baseball game at the MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Some of the Pittsburgh Pirates' best prospects are very young. Konnor Griffin, their recent first-round pick, was selected out of high school and is arguably their best position player prospect. One of their best pitching prospects, Zander Mueth, was taken out of high school during last year's draft. They have plenty of other prospects who are currently 20 years old or younger, like Jhonny Severino, Termarr Johnson, Levi Sterling, Wyatt Sanford, and a handful more.

However, those names represent some of the Pirates' very best prospects. You can find their names listed on top Pirates prospect lists everywhere. The Pirates have plenty more other prospects who are 20 and under and deserve more recognition, whether they have performed well early into their pro careers, or because they have the talent to be potential future cogs.

3 20-and-under Pirates prospects who deserve more recognition

Ronaldys Jimenez

The Pirates acquired Ronaldys Jimenez from the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline for Martín Pérez. The Padres had signed Jimenez last summer, and he made his pro debut this year at the Dominican Summer League. He tossed eight innings prior to the trade, allowing just one earned run, walking three, and striking out a dozen opponents. He then went on to allow four ER in 7.1 innings for the Pirates' FCL team with a dozen walks and 11 Ks.

Although he didn't end the season on a high note, the sample size is way too small to make any definitive conclusions. What we do know about Jimenez, however, is very promising. According to Baseball America, Jimenez's fastball already sits at 93 MPH. He also tosses a slider around 83 MPH. Jimenez is on the shorter side for a pitcher, as he is 5'11" and 165 pounds.

The fact that Jimenez is sitting at 93 while at just 18 years old could make him a prospect to watch in the long run. Not only is he young and throwing hard, but he is also a left-hander. Given his age, it's not out of the question that he can add a few ticks of velocity, either. Hopefully, Jimenez can harness his powerful arm and becomes an integral part of a future Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff.

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