Let’s continue on with our Pittsburgh Pirates prospects coverage with rankings #16-20!

#20: SS Dariel Lopez

Lopez was signed in 2018 out of the Dominican Republic. He was assigned to the Dominican Summer League 2 level where he dominated, slashing a .341 average and 33RBIs. In 2021, he began his affiliated level of his career starting with A ball in Bradenton where he started to make a name for himself. A .258 average and 64RBIs along with a .341 OPS. 2022 was more of the same for Lopez as he moved up to Greensboro putting up a .286 average and 58RBIs. He’s expected to debut in AA Altoona for 2023 in a crucial year to his development as he’s rule 5 eligible at season’s end. 

#19: 1B/3B Malcom Nunez

The Havana, Cuba native was signed to the St Louis Cardinals in 2018. His first year in rookie ball was phenomenal putting up a .405 average and 59RBIs. He continued to move up the ranks rapidly averaging two minor league teams a season. In 2022 he was sent to the Pirates with Pitcher Johan Oviedo in exchange for Jose Quintana. Nunez was sent to AA Altoona putting up a .286 average before ending with AAA Indy for a quick stint. Nunez was not protected in the rule 5 draft and surprisingly did not get taken. 2023 will be an important year for Nunez who may get his shot at the big league level. 

#18: 3B Jared Triolo

A 2nd round pick out of Houston, Triolo had high expectations coming out of college. Triolo broke out in 2021 with Greensboro with a .304 average and 78 RBIs along with recognition for his glove. He started off hot with AA Altoona before suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for a bit. He finished strong and won Team MVP with a .282 average and 39 RBIs. Triolo got his contract selected to the 40 man roster in the summer and is expected to start 2023 in Indianapolis. He might make his debut this year depending on the health of Ke’Bryan Hayes. 

#17: LHP Michael Kennedy

A 4th round pick out of Troy, New York, Kennedy was swayed away from the college route to join the buccos. Since he’s only 18 years old, it is possible he makes his affiliated debut in 2023 but regardless the potential for Kennedy is through the roof.

#16: OF Matthew Gorski

A 2nd round pick in 2019 out of Indiana University, Gorski was seen as a power hitter who could climb the ranks rapidly. He has done just that. He spent 2019 with the West Virginia Black Bears where he somewhat struggled to adapt to pro ball. 2021 was somewhat similar as he struggled with strikeouts in High A Greensboro. He started 2022 with a repeat with the Grasshoppers again but this time crushing the ball. A .294 batting average and 17 home runs got him the call to AA Altoona. He continued to crush the ball until he went down with injuries. He ended the season with a .277 average 28 RBIs with Altoona and got a couple of at bats at AAA Indy along with a trip to the Arizona Fall League. He was rule 5 eligible but didn’t get selected. He should start with AAA Indianapolis with a very good shot to make his MLB Debut in 2023.