The best Pirates prospect at each position going into 2025

The 2024 season was highlighted by a unique group of Pirates prospects, as several unranked prospects began to take off and develop, taking the mantle from the system's bigger names. Pitching has long appeared to be the strong suit in the Pirates farm system, but there are certainly plenty of interesting names at each position. Let's take a look the best Pirate prospect at each position for 2025.

Who are the best Pirates prospects at each position heading into 2025?

Catcher: Omar Alfonzo

The only ranked catcher in the Pirates' top 30 prospects (26th) is Omar Alfonzo, a 21-year-old catcher who finished the season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers. He put together a very impressive season, solidifying himself as the team's best catching prospect.

Last season with Bradenton and Greensboro, Alfonzo batted .252 with 13 home runs, driving in 46. He posted an on-base percentage of .357 and powered a slugging percentage of .403 to equate to an OPS of .760. Additionally, he cracked 17 doubles and put together a wRC+ of 127.

His small sample size of 24 games in Greensboro was impressive, which is the level above Bradenton. He delivered an OPS of .828 with five home runs and a wRC+ of 138. His walk rate was very high at 16.5%, and he struck out at a 25.8% rate.

Defensively, Alfonzo brings a strong arm, as he caught 31 runners trying to steal last season. Additionally, he gave up 13 passed balls behind the plate, showing some warts in the process.

Prospect graduations of Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez resulted in just one ranked catcher in the Pirates' top 30. Alfonzo is still young, but he has proven to be the best catcher in the Pirates organization.

First Base: Esmerlyn Valdez

Unlike Alfonzo, there are a few more ranked first baseman, but an unranked slugger has proven himself as the Pirates' best first base prospect entering the new campaign. Esmerlyn Valdez emerged in Bradenton in 2024, unleashing his power at just 20 years old.

Last season, Valdez posted a batting average of .226, belted 22 home runs, and drove in 61. His OPS sat at .815, along with a wRC+ of 132. He walked at a 13.6% rate, but struck out at a high 30.6%. His power numbers are very impressive at his young age.

Valdez began his career with the Pirates in 2021 at 17 years old. It is very impressive to see this type of leap with his bat already. As he gets older and he develops more, his strikeout percentage will likely drop. Greensboro is a very hitter friendly park, so it is very possible Valdez has another big offensive year in 2025, which could potentially put him inside the Pirates' top 30 prospect rankings.