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

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.

Luke Scherrer

The Pirates signed Luke Scherrer as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 draft. Scherrer, who was committed to Cal Poly, instead opted to head into pro ball after high school. The catching prospect got his first extended look at pro action this past season at the Florida Complex League, and while the numbers were solid, his scouting reports are definitely intriguing.

Scherrer slashed .273/.406/.345 through 139 plate appearances. Although he hit for very little power, with zero home runs and an isolated slugging percentage below .100, he did walk at a high rate of 12.9% and only struck out 15.9% of the time. This resulted in a quality .385 wOBA and 118 wRC+. Scherrer split his season almost evenly between catcher and first base and also saw a few innings in right field.

Scherrer was ranked as Perfect Game's 131st-best prospect. His defense might be his strongest suit. He displayed an incredible 1.80-second pop time. For reference, the average fastest pop time in baseball this season belongs to JT Realmuto at 1.85 seconds. He also flashed a very accurate throwing arm and had very good footwork behind the dish. Although it can't be measured, Scherrer has also shown off a strong baseball IQ, per Prospects Live.

His best offensive tool is his hit tool. He has a quick bat with a compact swing. Scherrer has the potential for above-average raw pop. According to Prospects Live, Scherrer has a strong lower half of his body that helps him get power to his pull side. He has all the tools to be a good hitter, along with a good fielder.

Scherrer is only 19 (turns 20 in December) but should see time at Bradenton next season. He is the best prospect on today's list, and based on some of the reports on him, he could very well be someone to watch next season. Scherrer has flashed everything you'd want from a good defender behind the plate, and he also gives the impression of a player who could hit well in the future.