Top 5 unranked prospects in the Pittsburgh Pirates' farm system

These Pirates prospects aren't on any major prospect lists, but they have the potential to be a part of the team's future.

Pitcher Gavin Adams delivers the ball during District 12 3A championship high school baseball action as St. John Paul II hosted American Heritage in Boca Raton, Fla., on Thursday, April 29, 2021.
Pitcher Gavin Adams delivers the ball during District 12 3A championship high school baseball action as St. John Paul II hosted American Heritage in Boca Raton, Fla., on Thursday, April 29, 2021. | THOMAS CORDY via Imagn Content Services, LLC
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Luke Scherrer

The Pirates acquired Luke Scherrer as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 draft. The backstop prospect is a catcher who received some very positive reviews. The Pirates signed Scherrer out of high school, forgoing his commitment to Cal Poly to start his pro baseball career with the Bucs.

Scherrer’s game has some decent attributes. He displayed some good defensive chops, and was athletic behind the dish with a quick reaction time of 1.80 seconds. According to Prospects Live, that was the fastest pop time at the Perfect Game National Showcase. Not only does he have quick reactions, but he has a strong and accurate arm. 

Scherrer’s defensive chops might be able to carry him far, but he has some offensive upside too. Scherrer batted well in his first taste of pro ball, slashing .273/.406/.345 with a .385 wOBA and 118 wRC+ in the Florida Complex League. He only struck out 21 times with 18 walks throughout 139 plate appearances. Scherrer has the potential for an above-average hit tool with pull-side power. 

Scherrer is still young, as he’ll only be in his age-20 season next year. But he might start getting playing time at Bradenton. You might start seeing him on some prospect lists if he can prove himself at a full-season level. He’s a young backstop with solid defense and some potential with the bat.

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