10 Pirates Prospects Off to Great Starts
As we approach the tail end of April, here are 10 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects that are having great starts to begin the season.
Bubba Chandler: By the middle of the 2024 season, Bubba Chandler became the top ranked prospect in the Pirates’ organization.
After finishing up last season with the AAA Indianapolis Indians, the 22-year-old Chandler returned to Indy, and has looked even stronger. Thru his first five outings, he’s put up a 1.33 ERA, along with a 12.1 K/9 (27 K in 20.1 IP). Chandler’s 0.64 WHIP is currently the best mark in the International League.
Konnor Griffin: The Pirates made former Jackson Prep standout Konnor Griffin their first round selection during last year’s MLB Draft.
Despite just turning 19 recently, Griffin has adjusted well, to his opening chapter of professional baseball - playing in the Florida State League. While with the Bradenton Marauders, his OPS is a healthy, .859 - thanks in part to a .514 slugging percentage. Griffin is also using his plus speed tool, with 11 stolen bases; tied for second most in the league.
Hunter Barco: As a second round draft choice of the Bucs in 2022, Hunter Barco’s main goal is to stay healthy.
Since recovering from Tommy John surgery, Barco has shown promise of the pitcher he was able to display, while at the University of Florida.
Following a productive, 2024, in which he posted an ERA of 3.27, the 6’4, left-hander has been outstanding to begin ‘25 by not allowing a run in his first 20.2 innings pitched with AA Altoona. In his five starts, Barco has held right-handed hitters to an .085 batting average, which is just absolutely bonkers.
Omar Alfonzo: In terms of Pirates prospects with a baseball pedigree, that label would go to Omar Alfonzo. His ties are being the son of MLB catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, as well as the cousin of former New York Mets All-Star second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo. He’s also the brother of Eliezer Alfonzo Jr, who currently plays in the Detroit Tigers’ organization.
Alfonzo was considered a sleeper prospect last season, after posting a .760 OPS and 13 home runs combined with the Bradenton Marauders and Greensboro Grasshoppers.
This year, Alfonzo is back with Greensboro, and off to a solid start - registering an OPS of .883 - a figure that is second best among South Atlantic League backstops. Behind the plate, he’s thrown out baserunners at a very good 32% clip.
Axiel Plaz: One of the more under the radar prospects currently in the system is Axiel Plaz.
A native of San Félix, Venezuela, Plaz showed some power upside last season; hitting 15 homers between the Florida Complex League and Bradenton.
It’s been a terrific, start to the year for Plaz with Bradenton, as he’s batting an even .300, which is tenth best in the Florida State League. Plaz only has 1 home run in the first month, so perhaps he’s selling out some power for a higher average.
Esmerlyn Valdez: 2024 was a year that started to give Esmerlyn Valdez more notice, on the Pirates prospects list.
In 435 plate appearances last season with the Marauders, Valdez posted an OPS of .815 and clubbed a career best 22 long balls.
The beginning of 2025 has been even more impressive for Valdez. Aside from his .347 average being currently third highest in the SAL, he’s also slugging a robust, .625.
Po-Yu Chen: Signed by the Pirates out of Taiwan in 2020, Po-Yu Chen continues to be one of the more unheralded arms in the organization.
After spending the entirety of last year pitching for Altoona, Chen returned to the Curve to start out this season, and has been efficient early on; registering a 3.24 ERA thru his first four outings.
Javier Rivas: In the first month of the minor league season, perhaps there’s been no Pirates prospect off to a more surprising start than Javier Rivas.
The 6’6 Rivas hit 12 homers a year ago with Bradenton and Greensboro, but struggled to make consistent contact; combining for only a .215 average.
Rivas so far has found a switch to flip, as he’s put up some stellar, offensive figures; slashing .333/.388/.625, in 80 plate appearances with Greensboro. He also has six home runs, which leads the SAL.
Wilbur Dotel: The Pirates keep finding a way to produce intriguing arms in the system. Another who falls into this category that doesn’t get as much attention is Wilbur Dotel.
In late 2020, Dotel signed with Pittsburgh out of Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic.
The Pirates assigned Dotel to Altoona, for the start of 2025. He’s looked sharp in his first four outings; recording an ERA of 2.50. Dotel’s fastball routinely sits upper-90’s, and to this point, he’s allowed just six walks, so the improved command is encouraging to see.
Maikol Escotto: Acquired by the Pirates from the New York Yankees, as one of the prospects in the 2021 Jameson Taillon trade, Maikol Escotto had the profile of being a versatile infielder.
While the overall offensive stats for Escotto’s career have been average at best, he’s been off to a blistering start to begin ‘25; going 18-for-43 (.419 avg), four doubles and two homers. Escotto so far is 7-for-7, in the stolen base department.