Ranking the Top 20 Pirates Prospects
The 2024 minor league regular season has concluded, with AAA teams wrapping up their season last.
For the Pittsburgh Pirates’ system, pitching has been the strength currently. Paul Skenes & Jared Jones were both able to burst onto the scene as rookies this year.
As we approach the offseason, I decided to put together my list of Top 20 Pirates prospects.
1. Bubba Chandler
AA Altoona: 3.70 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, .192 opp avg, 10.5 K/9, 2.9 BB/9
AAA Indianapolis: 1.83 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, .183 opp avg, 12.4 K/9, 3.4 BB/9
While Chandler pitched well for Altoona, he was even more dominant - once he got to Indianapolis. Combined with both affiliates, Chandler struck out 148 batters in 119.2 innings of work.
Chandler sat routinely 97-98 with his fastball this year, along with a good, sharp slider, and a terrific, changeup - all of which he threw with solid command.
2. Konnor Griffin
No pro stats for 2024
Griffin was the Pirates’ first round selection in this year’s MLB Draft, as he was taken ninth overall out Jackson Prep in Flowood, Mississippi.
A $6.53 million dollar signing bonus was enough to sway Griffin away from his commitment to LSU.
Coming into the ‘24 draft, Griffin was lauded as the best high school talent, and most scouts think he’s a five-tool shortstop, with the ability to be a 30/30 type.
3. Termarr Johnson
High A Greensboro: .238/.372/.385, 13 HR, 46 RBI, 20 SB in 110 games
AA Altoona: .229/.316/.396, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 2 SB in 14 games
Johnson began ‘24 as a member of the Greensboro Grasshoppers, where he posted a decent .757 OPS. His walk rate was excellent at 16%.
The Pirates promoted Johnson to Altoona on August 27th. Although Johnson didn’t do much offensively with the Curve, he was playing at AA as a 20-year-old, so the struggles were to be expected.
4. Thomas Harrington
AA Altoona: 2.24 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, .227 opp avg, 9.7 K/9, 1.3 BB/9
AAA Indianapolis: 3.33 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, .212 opp avg, 7.4 K/9, 1.6 BB/9
After recovering from a shoulder issue, Harrington made his season debut in May for Altoona, and simply didn’t miss a single beat.
On August 4th, Harrington was promoted to Indianapolis, and performed well there, even though the strikeouts were down.
The 23-year-old Harrington undoubtedly has the best control of any Pirates pitching prospect currently. He has great command of a mid-90’s fastball, a mid-80’s changeup, and a mid-80’s sweeper, which is far & away his best offering. The excellent control figures can be comparable to George Kirby of the Seattle Mariners.
5. Nick Yorke
AA Portland: .251/.325/.366, 4 HR, 27 RBI
AAA Worcester: .310/.408/.490, 6 HR, 19 RBI
AAA Indianapolis: .355/.431/.507, 2 HR, 26 RBI
One trade at the ‘24 deadline involved a swap of former first round picks, with the Pirates dealing Quinn Priester to the Boston Red Sox, in exchange for Nick Yorke.
Following the trade, Yorke put up really impressive numbers with the Indianapolis Indians. In 40 games at Indy, he recorded at least one hit in 30 of those. Yorke collected 33 doubles in the minors this season; 17 for the Indians.
Defensively, Yorke displayed solid range at second base, along with a good arm.
The Pirates made Yorke a September call up. It was on September 22nd that Yorke connected on his first big league home run - doing so against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark.
6, Braxton Ashcraft
AA Altoona: 3.69 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, .244 opp avg, 10.6 K/9, 1.3 BB/9
AAA Indianapolis: 0.47 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, .205 opp avg, 6.5 K/9, 1.9 BB/9
Last year, the Pirates monitored the innings of Braxton Ashcraft, who was coming off Tommy John surgery.
After pitching well at Altoona, Ashcraft received a promotion to Indianapolis on June 11th.
Although the numbers were outstanding in AAA for Ashcraft, it involved a couple of IL stints, as he dealt with forearm tightness.
When healthy this year, Ashcraft was hitting 97-98 on the four-seamer, while throwing his good slider & decent curveball consistently for strikes.
Given Ashcraft’s injury history, there could be discussions about whether to move the 24-year-old righty into the bullpen, if he’s unable to handle a starter’s workload.
7. Jack Brannigan
High A Greensboro: .238/.344/.490, 18 HR, 53 RBI, 12 SB
Jack Brannigan spent ‘24 exclusively with Greensboro, and had a productive stint in High A ball.
In 341 plate appearances for the Grasshoppers, Brannigan registered a slugging percentage just under .500 at .490, while posting a 135 wRC+.
The defense for Brannigan is average at both third base and shortstop. However, he does possess a very strong arm.
8. Mike Burrows
AAA Indianapolis: 4.06 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, .253 opp avg, 10.8 K/9, 3.6 BB/9
The road to recovery began for Mike Burrows in ‘24, as he was working his way back from TJ surgery.
Following rehab stints in the Florida Complex League, as well as in Bradenton, Burrows was sent to Indianapolis on July 25th.
As expected, the Pirates monitored Burrows’ workload. The numbers at Indianapolis overall weren’t bad. The control was shaky at times, but he did post a good K rate.
The fastball velocity was back to form for Burrows at 94-95; topping 96. He also produced good spin on the curveball, while his newly added slider flashed as a solid offering.
9. Hunter Barco
High A Greensboro: 3.44 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, .207 opp avg, 11.2 K/9, 3.2 BB/9
AA Altoona: 2.25 ERA, 0.50 WHIP, .154 opp avg, 13.5 K/9, 0.0 BB/9 (2 starts)
This year marked Hunter Barco’s first full season pitching in the Pirates’ organization.
Barco held his own in the South Atlantic League, especially the hitter-friendly environment in Greensboro.
On July 19th, the Pirates assigned Barco to Altoona. Unfortunately, he sustained a lower-body injury on July 30th, which would shut down the rest of his season.
The 23-year-old southpaw relies on deception. Despite a fastball that sits 92-93, it has plenty of sink that he uses with a short-armed delivery - making it tough for hitters to pick up. Barco’s slider, which is already a plus pitch, gets him most of his strikeouts, because of the deception.
10. Mitch Jebb
High A Greensboro: .253/.341/.355, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 43 SB
When the Pirates selected Mitch Jebb in the second round of last year’s MLB Draft, he profiled as a classic leadoff hitter type.
Jebb’s first half of ‘24 was rough - to say the least - slashing just .199/.266/.292. Mechanical adjustments to his swing provided much more confidence in the second half, as he put up a .307/.410/.419 slash.
Speed is Jebb’s best asset, and it was on full display this season, stealing 43 bases; tied for fifth most in the SAL.
Defensively, Jebb spent most of time at both middle infield positions, and also played some center field this year, for the first time in his professional career.
11. Michael Kennedy
Low A Bradenton: 4.07 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, .240 opp avg, 9.9 K/9, 2.0 BB/9
AA Altoona: 0.84 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, .167 opp avg, 13.2 K/9, 2.6 BB/9
Michael Kennedy was a notable prep arm in 2022 that the Pirates were able to sign away from LSU, for a bonus of $1 million; well over the slot amount.
Kennedy’s ‘24 campaign was a good one all told, not just throwing strikes, but also getting his fair share of punchouts.
Similar to Hunter Barco, Kennedy is a left-hander, who will rely on deception, as from time-to-time, uses a pause in his leg kick, to throw off a batter’s timing.
Kennedy’s four-seamer is only 91-92, but has late tailing action, when he works it up in the zone. His best secondary pitch is a sharp slider that gets plenty of swing & miss. Kennedy’s third offering is a changeup, which he made improvement with this season.
12. Levi Sterling
No pro stats for 2024
In a system with a plethora of talented young pitchers, the Pirates look to have added another, in Notre Dame High School standout, Levi Sterling.
A Competitive Balance Round A selection, Sterling put pen to paper, with Pittsburgh, for a signing bonus of $2.51 million.
Sterling came out of high school as a two-way player -shortstop and pitcher - but the Pirates drafted him to pitch.
At 6’5, 202 pounds, Sterling already throws a fastball that can get up to 94. His secondary arsenal include both a mid-80’s sweeper and curve - the latter considered a better pitch. Sterling also uses a changeup - providing him a decent fourth offering.
For Sterling, his pro debut should begin in the Florida Complex next season.
13. Anthony Solometo
AA Altoona: 5.98 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, .269 opp avg, 7.1 K/9, 5.4 BB/9
2024 was a forgettable year for Anthony Solometo, as he dealt with big time regression.
Solometo’s fastball velocity was down to 90-92, this after sitting 94-95 his first two seasons. In addition to the velo decrease, he also struggled to throw strikes.
It’s unclear if injury was at play for Solometo, but he will look bounce back in 2025. Solometo will be 22, so age is still on his side.
14. Zander Mueth
Florida Complex: 1.58 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, .206 opp avg, 9.9 K/9, 4.6 BB/9
Low A Bradenton: 3.97 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, .110 opp avg, 9.3 K/9, 9.7 BB/9
Mueth made his pro debut in ‘24 pitching for the Pirates’ FCL club. The 6’6 righty impressed enough, to the point he was named FCL Pitcher of the Year.
The Low A level was Mueth’s next destination, as he was moved up to Bradenton on July 30th. Despite issuing more walks than strikeouts, he managed to keep his ERA just under four with the Marauders.
Mueth’s bread & butter is a mid-90’s sinker that got up to 97 at times. He also throws a sweeper with good break, and a developing changeup. The overall command was lackluster for Mueth, especially with Bradenton. A more conscious effort to throw strikes will make him a Top 10 Pirates prospect sooner rather than later.
15. Wyatt Sanford
No pro stats for 2024
Wyatt Sanford was the Pirates’ second round draft choice in this year’s draft. Originally committed to Texas A&M, Sanford opted to sign with Pittsburgh, for a $2.5 million dollar bonus.
For Sanford, he’s a second generation player, as his father, Chance, played parts of two seasons in the Majors, including the Pirates in 1998.
Sanford’s bat has drawn mixed reviews among scouts, as to whether he will make an impact offensively.
Speed is a key part of Sanford’s game, as well as his defense, which was considered the best among high school shortstops, in the entire 2024 draft class. He has solid range, along with a plus throwing arm.
16. Yordany De Los Santos
Florida Complex: .344/.407/.505, 5 HR, 34 RBI, 24 SB
Low A Bradenton: .195/.300/.264, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 10 SB
Signed by the Pirates out of the Dominican Republic, for $1.2 million, in January of 2022, Yordany De Los Santos was one of the best hitters in the FCL this year, with his .344 average being third highest. He also posted a strong, wRC+ of 146.
Combined with the Complex and Bradenton, De Los Santos had 34 stolen bases in 40 attempts (85% success rate).
There are questions about whether or not De Los Santos will stick at shortstop long-term. He has good hands, but the range is about average.
17. Jhonny Severino
Florida Complex: .291/.373/.545, 10 HR, 41 RBI, 12 SB
Low A Bradenton: .237/.285/.500, 6 HR, 17 RBI, 4 SB
Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in the Carlos Santana deal around the 2023 trade deadline, Jhonny Severino was one of the Pirates’ better offensive performers at the lower levels this year. He put up the sixth best OPS in the FCL at .918.
Much like De Los Santos, it remains to be seen if Severino can stay at shortstop. His profile seems to fit more at third base.
18. Carlson Reed
Low A Bradenton: 2.43 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, .199 opp avg, 11.2 K/9, 4.9 BB/9
High A Greensboro: 0.87 ERA, 0.65 WHIP, .106 opp avg, 9.9 K/9, 2.6 BB/9
A fourth round selection out of West Virginia last year, Carlson Reed raised his prospect stock in a big way this season. Following a terrific, showing with Bradenton, he was somehow even more dominant for Greensboro.
Reed possesses both a four seam and two seam fastball - both which sat 95-96. Perhaps his best secondary offering is a mid-80’s changeup, while his slider, also in the mid-80’s, isn’t too far behind, and it’s a pitch that can induce swing & miss.
19. Tsung-Che Cheng
AA Altoona: .218/.320/.341, 11 HR, 55 RBI, 16 SB
AAA Indianapolis: .462/.588/.538, 0 HR, 1 RBI
Tsung-Che Cheng joined the Pirates organization, this after signing out of Taiwan, for a bonus of $380,000.
Cheng didn’t have a particularly good season at the plate this year, as he posted just a .661 OPS, in 500 plate appearances.
During the last week of the AAA season, Cheng got a brief stint with Indianapolis - going 6-for-13.
Despite being 5’7, Cheng has surprisingly decent pop in the bat, as evidence by his 11 homers.
Defensively, there’s very little doubt that Cheng can stay at shortstop, as he’s been regarded as the Pirates’ top defensive SS in the system currently.
20. Billy Cook
AA Bowie: .255/.365/.392, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 4 SB
AAA Norfolk: .279/.372/.485, 11 HR, 43 RBI, 12 SB
AAA Indianapolis: .276/.389/.486, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 9 SB
In terms of 2024 transaction moves, the Pirates made perhaps their most interesting one at the trade deadline, when they swapped RHP Patrick Reilly to the Baltimore Orioles, in exchange for IF/OF Billy Cook.
After a productive AAA stint with the Norfolk Tides, Cook continued his offensive success, as a member of the Indianapolis Indians, with a 130 wRC+, in 126 plate appearances.
Given his solid, work at the plate, Cook received a promotion to the Pirates on September 8th. He delivered his first MLB home run versus the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on September 18th. Three days later, Cook connected on his second blast at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati.