Pirates Rule 5 Protection Candidate: Eddy Yean
Despite a down season from Josh Bell in 2020, the Pittsburgh Pirates decided to deal the former All-Star first baseman to the Washington Nationals, in December of that year. The return included pitchers Wil Crowe, who is no longer in the organization, and Eddy Yean.
In 2021, the Pirates assigned Yean to Low A Bradenton, where he was used in a swingman role; making 14 relief appearances and eight starts. He had a 5.27 ERA, along with a 1.43 WHIP.
High A Greensboro is where Yean pitched at in 2022. Perhaps pitching in a very hitter-friendly environment in Greensboro got to Yean, as he posted an ERA of 6.75, in 42 relief games.
Yean returned to Greensboro last year. The struggles continued, for the Dominican born righty, with a 5.01 ERA, in 40 appearances.
Suddenly, Yean began to pitch better, while taking part in the Puerto Rican Winter League in 2023-24. In 15 games with Gigantes de Carolina, he put up an impressive, 0.56 ERA. Yean was displaying solid, control, allowing just three walks in 16 innings (1.7 BB/9). He also had a 9.0 K/9 (16 K in 16 IP).
Yean carried that success over this season, with AA Altoona, as he registered a 3.45 ERA. During his 46 relief outings, he issued only 21 walks in 73 innings of work (2.6 BB/9).
On September 18th, the Pirates gave Yean a promotion to AAA Indianapolis. He got to appear in two games with the Indians - tossing a scoreless inning in each.
Several Pirates prospects are headed to the Arizona Fall League, which begins on Monday. Yean is one of the representatives, who will be pitching for the Scottsdale Scorpions.
The AFL is an opportunity for Yean to improve his stock further. He will be Rule 5 eligible this offseason, so he wants to show Pirates’ management that he belongs.
In terms of stuff, Yean possesses a four-seam fastball and power sinker that sit 96-97 mph. He also uses a slider at 87-89, as well as a changeup, both of which can generate plenty of swing & miss. The improved nature of his control now makes Yean an intriguing, right-handed arm.
Given the disappointment of the Pirates’ bullpen in 2024, there can never be enough quality, reliever depth, and Yean is probably a depth option that Pittsburgh should look to add onto the 40-man roster this winter.