The Pittsburgh Pirates have a surplus of talented pitching prospects in their farm system but don’t have as many potent batters in their system.
The Pirates are becoming known for developing young pitchers. This season alone, they brought up rookies Paul Skenes and Jared Jones, who had a major impact on the team and will continue to for years to come. Three of Pittsburgh’s top five prospects are also pitching prospects who should reach the majors in the next year or two.
Pittsburgh does not have as many top batting prospects, but MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf listed catching prospect Omar Alfonzo as a player to keep on the radar, which can potentially help solve this issue.
“Alfonzo had shown some good hitting traits in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League — like laying off spin pitches and drawing walks — in 2022-23, and he tapped into some power as he filled into his 6-foot-1 frame, hitting 13 home runs and 17 doubles over 451 plate appearances for Bradenton and High-A Greensboro,” Stumpf wrote.
“MLB Pipeline has his hit, fielding and throwing tool at a 50 grade, all encouraging signs for a young catcher, and his left-handed bat could be set up for a big season in hitter-friendly Greensboro in 2025.”
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Alfonzo is the Pirates’ No. 26 prospect and is projected to make it to the big leagues in 2027. He displayed an increase in power this season, hitting 13 home runs compared to five in 2023. Although some of his hitting numbers dipped this season, the left-handed-hitting catcher could potentially make a major impact for the Pirates in the future.
More MLB: Could Pirates Use Top Pitching Prospect To Improve Their Bullpen?
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