The Pittsburgh Pirates farm system has been one of the top amongst its peers for the last couple of seasons. Today let’s dive into some of the prospects that have fallen off and are looking for redemption or are looking to make a name for themselves in the 2023 Minor League season.

I will be ranking them in 3 categories, the first being guys who were in my Top 30 last year but have fallen off due to performance. The second being guys who had average to above average expectations and if they continue on this route, they will be top 30 by season’s end. My final category is too far out to tell, these are guys who have either just been signed or have little to none affiliated experience so it is a lot harder to rank them. Let’s get to it! Side note: these are not in 31-50 order; it is all based on category. 

Fallen off Top 30:

Matt Frazier: His 2021 season earned him Pirates Minor League Player of the year after hitting the ball exceptionally in High A Greensboro and AA Altoona. This season he took a step back where his offense was subpar and the strikeout ratio was through the roof. 

Mason Martin: Once regarded as the 1st baseman of the future, Martin looked to continue that narrative at AAA Indianapolis. Like Frazier, the offense and strikeouts cost him and suddenly he’s on the outside looking in. 

Lolo Sanchez: Not many people know this but Sanchez actually was supposed to be a free agent this offseason but the Pirates kept him around. Last year was his first above A ball to be fair, but between 3 total seasons at A ball level along with inconsistent play, it is do or die for Sanchez.

Looking to rise 

Tyler Samaneigo: Quite possibly one of my personal favorite prospects, Samaneigo shot up the system by dominating A ball Greensboro and making his AA debut in June. A stellar ERA and strikeout ratio has put him as a name to keep an eye on in 2023.

Jacob Gonzalez: A rule 5, home run pick for the Buccos, Gonzalez started off killing the ball in Greensboro before cooling off. His play was still team leading but the potential for the former 1st round pick is back. Let’s see how he handles AA. 

Jase Bowen: One of those young utility guys the Pirates love. Bowen brings speed and versatility to the table. Most likely he’ll go back to Greensboro for a couple months before heading to Altoona where it seems his stock will continue to rise.

Andres Alvarez: A very under the radar infield for the Curve this year. Hitting 20 home runs and stealing 20 bases, another one of those utility guys the Pirates love is making a name for himself. AAA will be the true test for Alvarez.

Po-Yu Chen: The potential for the Taiwanese pitcher is there and this was his first affiliated season. The ERA and wins were average at best but the key is his strikeouts and WHIP which were some of the best in the Florida State League. 

Rodolfo Nolasco: His first go at affiliated ball was decent, he can hit the ball well, another guy that just needs to work on discipline at the plate. The defense is there and that’s why he’s on this list.

Tsung-Che Cheng: The best hitter all season for Bradenton, Cheng brings a ton to the table. He got on base, he’s fast, and he’s versatile. The perfect Pirate, let’s see how Greensboro will treat him.

Too far to tell

Shalin Polanco: Highly regarded prospect, Pipeline ranks him 25 due to his power and speed. For me, I need to see how he handles Bradenton level ball before cracking my top 30. 

Axel Plaz: A young 17 year old catcher that the Pirates fell in love with. A good arm and a bat. He probably ranks as the number 3 or 4 catcher in the system behind Davis and Rodriguez. 

Tony Blanco: The potential is through the roof but he’s only 17. He stands 6’6 and has a ton of power. I can’t wait to see him in a couple of years. 

Solomon Maguire: Another victim of the outfielder logjam, the Australian native will most likely crack Bradenton in 2023. He has a massive arm and the bat is starting to come along. 

Jun Seok-Shim: The most recent addition to the Pirates organization. KBO had him as the consensus #1 pick before he elected to come to the states. His fastball ranges from 94-96 topping 100  at only 18 years old. My guess is one year before he hits Bradenton. 

Javier Rivas: Another player who will most likely crack Bradenton, Rivas has the arm that can compete with many. The bat needs work. 

Yordany De Los Santos: An 18 year old who actually might crack Bradenton this year. Not many 18 year olds can do that. Potential is through the roof on this kid. 

Raymond Mola: Another key season in the 2023 class, Mola is the player that has the model of an everyday outfielder. Some work to the bat and he might be the next big prospect. 

Esmerlyn Valdez: The outfield logjam might hurt Valdez in 2023, but another year of Dominican ball might not hurt. The tangibles are off the charts on this player. 

Braylon Bishop: A log jam of outfielders is why Bishop is down here and he hasn’t gotten a chance to crack an affiliated roster. His speed is his more powerful tool, hopefully he will start at Bradenton.