Pittsburgh Pirates

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Jones was a two-way star as an amateur and scouts voted him the second-best athlete in the 2020 high school class in Baseball America's best tools series. The Pirates drafted him No. 44 overall that year and signed him to a $2.2 million bonus to buy him out of a commitment to Texas. He made his pro debut with Low-A Bradenton in 2021, then spent all of 2022 with High-A Greensboro in his age-20 season, throwing the most innings (124.1) of any pitcher in Pittsburgh's minor league system.

Scouting Report: Jones' 6-foot frame belies the horsepower in his four-pitch mix. He's a dynamic athlete and his upper-90s fastball can touch 100 mph while boring in on righthanded hitters. Both his breaking balls have plus potential. The slider, in particular, tunnels well with his fastball and gives hitters fits. Jones also throws a firm, upper-80s changeup that lags behind his other pitches. A combination of bad luck (.310 BABIP) and wavering command led to Jones battling high pitch counts and inefficiency, especially early in the season. The Pirates believe he made command improvements, especially with his secondaries, as the season progressed. A demonstrative and fiery competitor, Jones is still learning the finer points of pitching and the Pirates believe he dealt with adversity more effectively in 2022.

The Future: There's some skepticism Jones' size and command hold up over an entire season as a starting pitcher. His electric bat-missing arsenal is suited for a high-leverage relief role if it doesn't.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 70. Curveball: 55. Slider: 60. Changeup: 45. Control: 45

BA Grade/Risk: 45/Medium

Track Record: Bae's reputation is forever impacted by the 30-game suspension he served in 2019 for violating MiLB's domestic violence policy after a South Korean court convicted him of assaulting his then-girlfriend at a New Year's Eve party in 2017. The Pirates chose not to release Bae and he has steadily risen through Pittsburgh's system since, culminating in his big league debut in 2022, when he hit .333 over 33 at-bats.

Scouting Report: The industry has long viewed Bae as a burner with impressive bat control and those foundational elements remained intact in 2022. He did, however, make two notable adjustments. Bae cut his strikeout rate (16.9%) by nearly 6 percent. He also added a bit more strength to his 185-pound frame, with evaluators seeing more hard contact than in years past. Still, it's low power potential, and his swing is geared to keep the ball low and accentuate his plus hitting ability. Bae times pitchers with a sizable leg kick, recoiling as he waits, then jumps at the ball, sometimes dropping to one knee as he makes contact. Bae's groundball rate annually hovers around 50%. It allows his 70-grade speed to flourish as he dashes to first base and then steals bases in bunches. Bae doesn't necessarily stand out at any one position defensively, but can capably play almost anywhere, including all three up-the-middle spots, although his arm is stretched at shortstop.

The Future: Bae could be a plug-and-play option for the Pirates in 2023 as a contact-oriented super-utility type.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 60. Power: 30. Speed: 70. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Solometo vaulted to No. 28 on Baseball America's draft board in 2021 and the Pirates nabbed him at No. 37 overall, signing him to an above-slot $2.8 million bonus. Pittsburgh built him up slowly at extended spring training in Florida, but Solometo finally debuted a year later with Low-A Bradenton in late May. He proved worth the wait, pitching to a 2.64 ERA over 47.2 innings.

Scouting Report: The 6-foot-5 lefthander is mesmerizing to watch. His long levers seemingly fly in all directions as he drives down the mound toward hitters. His delivery and arm stroke consistently draw comparisons to Madison Bumgarner. Unsurprisingly, he's a nightmare at-bat for lefthanded hitters. He creates considerable deception, which helps his arsenal play up despite no clear plus pitch. He attacks hitters with a sinking low-90s fastball and tunnels it well with his mid-80s changeup. He also throws a sweeping 82-84 mph slider that flashes plus, but fluctuates in velocity and command. The Pirates hope to help optimize the shape and design of his breaking ball so it's more effective against experienced hitters. Solometo throws plenty of strikes and repeats his intricate delivery well. He's also a meticulous learner capable of making quick adjustments--the Pirates note he essentially learned how to hold runners over the span of one week--and he draws rave reviews for his maturity and commitment to his routine.

The Future: His arsenal isn't flashy, but Solometo impresses with his aptitude and pitchability. He has a ceiling of a midrotation starter.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 55

BA Grade/Risk: 50/High

Track Record: Nicolas pitched his way up draft boards in 2020 by substantially cutting his walk rate while maintaining premium stuff in a small sample size at Ball State. The Marlins drafted him No. 61 overall that summer, then traded him to the Pirates for C Jacob Stallings just over a year later. Nicolas spent all of 2022 at Double-A Altoona, striking out 25.9% of batters but also walking 12.1% in 90.2 innings.

Scouting Report: Nicolas has plenty of firepower, but he needs to harness it more consistently to remain a starter. His 93-95 mph fastball touches 97 and is his best pitch. The heater has elite carry, averaging nearly 20 inches of induced vertical break, and he shows the ability to add and subtract velocity as needed. Nicolas' mid-80s slider dives out of the zone and has become a plus pitch. Nicolas' low-80s curveball is a bit softer, thrown with 11-5 break, and he also dabbles with a firm upper-80s changeup that lags behind his other three offerings. Internal and external evaluators alike note there are mechanical inconsistencies in Nicolas' delivery that require attention and currently hinder his strike-throwing. He showed marginal improvements early in 2022, but walked 28 batters over his final 44.1 innings.

The Future: The Pirates believe Nicolas is on the verge of a breakout if they can clean up his delivery. His powerful pitch mix could play up in a big league bullpen if he can't find more strikes.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 70. Curveball: 50. Slider: 60. Changeup: 40. Control: 45

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Triolo performed well over three seasons at Houston, including a pair of summers on the Cape, and the Pirates signed him to a $868,200 bonus after drafting him No. 72 overall in 2019. His debut was nondescript and he lost all of 2020 due to the pandemic. He returned a far more consistent hitter. Triolo hit .282 with nine homers at Double-A Altoona in 2022, and managers voted him the best defensive third baseman in the Eastern League. He missed the final month of the season with a knee injury, but the Pirates added him to their 40-man roster in November.

Scouting Report: While Triolo's defensive chops are well-known, his improvement in several offensive categories helped elevate his profile. Triolo has premier barrel skills despite an unorthodox swing and stance. His bat path works well, though, and he makes excellent swing decisions, leading to an 80% contact rate and a 14% swing-and-miss rate in the zone that are among the better marks in Pittsburgh's system. His average power plays best to right-center field but he worked on pulling the ball more in 2022. Triolo has won the Pirates' minor league defender of the year award two years in a row. He plays a premium third base, showing a desirable combination of arm strength, accuracy and agility. Triolo is athletic enough to handle shortstop as well, and appeared in center field for the first time as a professional while with Altoona.

The Future: Triolo's contact ability and defensive versatility provide a ceiling as a super utility option in the big leagues.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 50. Speed: 50. Fielding: 60. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Gorski was a second-round pick by the Pirates in 2019 who entered pro ball with immense power and concerns about his hit tool. Those concerns persisted throughout much of his pro career, and he hit just .223 with a 31.2% strikeout rate as a 23-year-old with High-A Greensboro in 2021. But Gorski rebuilt his swing in the offseason and altered the trajectory of his career, posting a .956 OPS with 23 homers through 81 games, although he missed two months with a quad injury. He was unprotected and unselected in the Rule 5 Draft.

Scouting Report: Gorski made a myriad of changes to his swing. He slightly opened his stance and altered his stride, better engaging his lower half to become more rotational toward the ball. He also worked to flatten his bat path. The changes unlocked just enough contact ability to allow his plus-plus power to play. Gorski's 91.4 mph average exit velocity trailed only Oneil Cruz among Pirates minor leaguers with 100+ plate appearances. There's still considerable swing-and-miss--he whiffed on 32% of pitches in the strike zone--and High-A Greensboro is a hitter's haven. Gorski is a plus runner who impacts every aspect of the game. He's a plus defender in the corners with a howitzer of an arm and could steal 30+ bases over a full season. The Pirates may try Gorski at first base as well to find him even more reps.

The Future: There's reason for skepticism considering Gorski will be 25 on Opening Day with 161 career plate appearances in the upper levels. If the swing changes stick, Gorski has a shot at a three-true-outcome-type big league role with considerable supplemental tools.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 35. Power: 70. Speed: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 80.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: Scouts viewed Barco as a potential first-rounder as a high schooler in 2019, but the lefthander instead made it to Florida, where he quickly won a spot in the Gators' rotation and was a solid performer over three seasons. He pitched to a 2.50 ERA while striking out 69 batters in 50.1 innings during his draft year until an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery ended his season in May. The Pirates nabbed Barco No. 44 overall and signed him to a $1,520,000 bonus.

Scouting Report: The 6-foot-4 lefthander was trending upward prior to his injury. He's built like a prototypical starting pitcher and attacks hitters from a low three-quarters arm slot. Barco presently lacks a true plus offering. His fastball has touched 95 mph in the past but mostly sat in the low-90s in 2022 with ordinary shape and spin. His sweeping, low-80s slider darts at the back foot of righthanded hitters and is his best swing-and-miss offering, although some scouts wonder whether Barco will struggle to command the pitch because of his arm slot. His mid-80s changeup was popular as a high schooler and remains a solid-average offering. Barco's crossfire delivery and arm slot add deceptive tilt and he was a consistent strike-thrower against Southeastern Conference hitters in college.

The Future: Barco's injury will delay his debut, but his polish, pitch mix and competitiveness provide a relatively high floor. He has the ceiling of a back-of-the-rotation starter with a chance for more if he adds velocity.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: Shim was the top prospect in South Korea when the Pirates signed him for $750,000 soon after the international signing period opened on Jan. 15, 2023.

Scouting Report: Shim has a power arm with a fastball that would stack up among the best prep pitchers in the 2022 draft. He sits at 92-96 mph, with the ability to reach back and dial it up to 98 mph. It's a lively fastball with good carry up in the zone. Shim's fastball is his best pitch, but he shows feel for sharp-breaking curveball and splitter mixed in too.

The Future: Shim is still several years away from being big league ready, but he immediately becomes one of the organization's best arms in the lower levels of the farm system.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Slider: 45. Curveball: 50. Splitter: 45. Control: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: Kennedy joined Pirates first-rounder Termarr Johnson on Team USA's 18U National Team roster in 2021 and was the top-ranked draft prospect in New York entering the 2022 draft. He was expected to be a tough sign considering his commitment to Louisiana State until the Pirates drafted him in the fourth round and signed him to a $1 million bonus, nearly double the expected slot value. A knee injury kept Kennedy from making his pro debut.

Scouting Report: Kennedy pairs a cerebral, competitive approach with a surprisingly refined three-pitch mix for a cold-weather prep arm. The Pirates are excited by the characteristics of Kennedy's 88-92 mph fastball, which carries well from his low arm slot. He pairs it with a sweeping upper-70s slider and has shown aptitude to quickly learn and enhance his low-80s changeup. His delivery is controlled and he repeats it well. He shows good feel for his entire arsenal and his shorter arm path provides a bit of deception against lefties. Kennedy would benefit from a bit more power across his arsenal, but some scouts worry there isn't a ton of room for projection on his frame.

The Future: One of the youngest prospects in the draft, Kennedy will be just 18 years old throughout all of 2023. He's in line to make his professional debut and begin his ascent through Pittsburgh's system as a strike-throwing lefty with a useful three-pitch mix.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 55

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Smith-Njigba has been known for posting high walk rates all the way back to his days as a high school star in Texas when teams mostly pitched around him. The Yankees drafted him in 2017 and traded him along with three others to the Pirates in 2021 in exchange for Jameson Taillon. He made his big league debut in mid-June, but suffered a season-ending fractured right wrist in an outfield collision just three games into his stint in Pittsburgh. His brother, Jaxon, stars at wide receiver for Ohio State and is a potential first-round NFL draft pick in 2023.

Scouting Report: Smith-Njigba parses balls and strikes as well as any hitter in Pittsburgh's system, walking 15.1% of the time with Triple-A Indianapolis in 2022. He pairs that plate discipline with considerable strength-based power, exceeding 90 mph average exit velocity. His natural swing plane, though, is not geared for lift and curbs his in-game power. The good news is Smith-Njigba slashed his groundball rate by roughly 13% in the minors in 2022, but it still clocked in at 52.8%. Defensively, he's likely ticketed for left field because of his fringe-average running ability, throwing arm and range, although he can handle right field in a pinch.

The Future: Smith-Njigba has a chance to reach a platoon-type role in the big leagues. He should vie for opportunities in Pittsburgh's wide-open corner outfield competition in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 50. Speed: 45. Fielding: 45. Arm: 45.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Nunez starred as an amateur in Cuba and carried that momentum into his 2018 pro debut upon signing with the Cardinals, winning the Dominican Summer League triple crown with a .415/.497/.774 slash line. He struggled mightily the following year, but has shown far more consistency over the last two seasons. The Pirates acquired Nunez at the 2022 deadline in the Jose Quintana trade. He hit 23 homers between the two systems, briefly reaching Triple-A as a 21-year-old. The Pirates left him unprotected ahead of the 2022 Rule 5 draft.

Scouting Report: Nunez is capable of cranking out some majestic pull-side homers via his violent, strength-based swing. He has a relatively simple move to the ball, although scouts point out he still has a minor hitch in his load, and posts exit velocities in excess of 110 mph. He became more selective in 2022, swinging at just under 40% of pitches. His breaking ball recognition improved out of necessity as older pitchers found it unwise to challenge him with too many fastballs. Nunez doesn't always maximize his power potential, though, as his groundball rate traditionally hovers around 50%. Almost all of Nunez's value is tied to his hitting ability. Despite a strong arm, he has outgrown third base and his range is tested even at first base.

The Future: There isn't much margin for error in Nunez's bat-only profile, but he shows intriguing hitting traits and will be just 22 years old on Opening Day. He should open 2023 with Triple-A Indianapolis.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 40. Power: 60. Speed: 30. Fielding: 40. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Mlodzinski generated first-round buzz on the strength of a dominant Cape Cod League showing in 2019 despite never putting it all together at South Carolina. Pittsburgh drafted him No. 31 overall in 2020. Mlodzinski turned heads in his pro debut with High-A Greensboro the following year, striking out 54 batters in his first 41 innings, but right shoulder stiffness sidelined him for more than a month. He hasn't regained that form since. He spent all of 2022 with Double-A Altoona, posting a 4.78 ERA in 105.1 innings.

Scouting Report: The metric-savvy Mlodzinski has a bevy of offerings but is still seeking the optimal pitch mix. He has experimented with both a sinker and four-seamer as his predominant fastball, opting to stick with his preferred 93-95 mph four-seamer. Mlodzinski also re-introduced a two-seamer and can occasionally cut his fastball as well, but it doesn't generate many whiffs. His two offspeed pitches are above-average. Mlodzinski altered the movement profile of his mid-80s slider to add more depth in 2022, and he rounds out his arsenal with an upper-80s changeup. There's some deception in his effortful delivery, but his command wavers and he battles inefficiency.

The Future: Erraticism has defined Mlodzinski's pro career. Clean health and improved command in 2023 would help him stay on track to his ceiling as a back-of-the-rotation starter.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50. Slider: 55. Changeup: 50. Control: 50

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Simply pitching on a consistent basis represented a massive step forward for Bolton, who once ranked as one of Pittsburgh's top prospects but hadn't appeared in a game since 2019. A knee injury wiped out Bolton's 2021 season, and he also missed time with forearm and groin injuries in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Pittsburgh was cautious when deploying Bolton in 2022 given his history, using him in short outings or as an opener over 30 games with Triple-A Indianapolis.

Scouting Report: Bolton worked hard in the offseason to improve his conditioning after the lost 2021 season. His fastball is still a tick below where it was prior to his layoff, but his four-seamer sat 92-94 mph and touched 96. He occasionally mixes in a two-seamer. His best pitch may now be a low-80s slider. Bolton worked to turn the pitch into more of a true sweeper with two-plane break, and it has some of the higher horizontal break and spin rates of any slider in Pittsburgh's system. He also features a firm upper-80s changeup. Bolton struggles with pitch efficiency, walking 12.4% of hitters in 2022. There's skepticism he can throw considerably more strikes because of his lengthy arm action.

The Future: Given Bolton's durability and command concerns, a bullpen role seems likely. He should reach the majors at some point 2023, and could pitch his way into middle- to high-leverage relief situations in relatively short order.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55. Slider: 60. Changeup: 55. Control: 45

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Lopez was one of the high-profile names in Pittsburgh's 2018 international class, signing for $400,000. He has acquitted himself well at the plate since debuting at the lower levels in 2021. He spent all of 2022 with High-A Greensboro, hitting. 286 with 19 homers in his age-20 season.

Scouting Report: Evaluators take note of Lopez's intriguing blend of tools while also acknowledging he needs to refine his game, especially defensively. Lopez's swing is surprisingly compact given his large frame and he has notable raw strength. He also has plenty of faith in his above-average contact ability. Lopez was one of the most aggressive hitters in Pittsburgh's system in 2022. His aggressiveness outside the strike zone results in too much weak contact and groundballs, something older pitchers will exploit. His power is presently geared toward right-center field, which was rewarded at Greensboro--15 of his 19 homers came at home. It's unclear where Lopez best fits defensively. He has smooth actions, solid hands and a plus throwing arm, but he's mistake-prone (25 errors) and will likely be too big to play shortstop. He played more third base and second base in 2022.

The Future: Lopez's hitting ability combined with his versatility is intriguing. He's still young, but he needs to clean up the mistakes to ensure he sticks in the dirt.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 55. Speed: 45. Fielding: 45. Arm: 60.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Cheng enjoyed a breakout 2022 campaign with Low-A Bradenton, three years after Pittsburgh signed him as a 17-year-old via Taiwan for $380,000. Cheng, who goes by the nickname Z, led all Pirates minor leaguers with 33 steals and was among qualified Florida State League leaders in batting average (.270) and doubles (25). He was named to the league's all-star team and also named the Pirates' minor league baserunner of the year.

Scouting Report: Cheng marries a line-drive approach with a simple lefthanded swing that accentuates his bat-to-ball skills and results in plenty of contact. There's a bit more power than some might expect considering his 5-foot-7 frame, but it will never be a focal point of his game. The Pirates lauded his pre-pitch preparation. His 20.7% strikeout rate was a bit higher than anticipated, but Cheng made subtle improvements to his plate discipline as the season progressed and his in-zone contact ability was strong. He also graded out as one of the Pirates' best infield defenders. He checks all the boxes at shortstop, showing good hands, range and an above-average throwing arm. Cheng's baseball IQ and meticulous preparation help enhance his skill set, even if he's not the most toolsy player.

The Future: The type of player coaches adore, Cheng has the makings of a super-utility type thanks to his defensive acumen and contact ability.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 30. Speed: 60. Fielding: 60. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: Selby was a three-year starter at Division III Randolph-Macon (Va.) College and became the seventh draft pick in program history when the Pirates selected him in the 16th round in 2018, signing him to a $125,000 bonus. Pittsburgh initially deployed him as a starter, but Selby had Tommy John during the shutdown in 2020 and returned as a reliever. He spent most of 2022 with Double-A Altoona, where he struck out nearly 30% of batters faced, although he missed two months due to injury.

Scouting Report: From the fastball touching 99 mph to the wipeout slider and even the big, bushy beard, Selby's entire operation screams power reliever. He has steadily added velocity since turning pro and his fastball now sits in the upper 90s. Both his offspeed pitches are nasty. He snaps off an upper-80s slider with considerable depth that rates as one of the best sliders in Pittsburgh's system and batters whiffed on it more than 70% of the time. Selby also mixes in a sweeping low-80s curve. Command isn't a strength. Selby attacks hitters with brute force, falling toward the first base line as he finishes his delivery.

The Future: Selby has the ceiling of a hard-throwing late-inning reliever if he can throw enough strikes.

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60. Curveball: 60. Slider: 60. Control: 40

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: Nolasco was part of a Pirates 2018 international signing class that included players like Dariel Lopez, Alexander Mojica and Luis Ortiz, but injuries slowed his development compared to his peers. He made his full-season debut in 2022, hitting 11 homers in 77 games for Low-A Bradenton sandwiched around two trips to the injured list.

Scouting Report: Nolasco's physicality and raw strength has always separated him from other players his age. It results in wicked bat speed, top-end exit velocities and gargantuan home runs. There still are questions about whether he'll make enough contact to consistently utilize his plus power. Nolasco struck out 34% of the time in Bradenton. Like plenty of inexperienced hitters, he needs to improve his pitch recognition and can stray from his approach, although he has a solid understanding of the strike zone. Nolasco showed signs of improvement in July--he hit five homers with nearly as many walks as strikeouts over 13 games--until an injury essentially ended his season. Nolasco isn't the most fleet of foot defensively and is most comfortable playing right field, where he has average potential and can utilize his plus throwing arm.

The Future: His hit tool remains unrefined, but it's easy to dream on Nolasco's power. He needs more seasoning in the low minors in 2023.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 35. Power: 70. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 60.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: Pittsburgh signed the Venezuela native in January 2022 on the strength of his intriguing combination of defensive ability and power potential. He then hit .382/.500/.706 with three homers over 32 games as a 16-year-old in the Dominican Summer League, earning an all-star nod, and was one of the Pirates' most impressive hitters at their fall instructional camp.

Scouting Report: Plaz flashed power potential as an amateur and has already added more strength, especially to his lower half, with room to add more to his frame. He times up pitchers with a toe tap and is capable of driving the ball to center field when he connects, already showing feel for the barrel, pitch recognition and strike-zone awareness. Amateur evaluators noted Plaz may battle some swing-and-miss as he grows into his power, but he kept his strikeouts in check in his first taste of the DSL (18.6% strikeout rate). He also has a chance to stick behind the plate due to solid receiving skills for his age and an above-average arm, although his footwork remains a work in progress.

The Future: Plaz will be just 17 years old on Opening Day and has a myriad of potential outcomes, but he caught the Pirates' attention. There are indicators that suggest a potential for both impact defense and power at a premium position.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 55. Speed: 45. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.

BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme

Track Record: White is a dynamic athlete who planned to play both baseball and football at Penn State until the Pirates drafted him No. 64 overall in 2021 and went $500,000 over slot to sign him to a $1.5 million bonus. His professional career has yet to come into focus. White has played just 11 games at the rookie-level Florida Complex League since turning pro, missing essentially all of the 2022 season because of elbow and hamstring injuries.

Scouting Report: The injury woes hit particularly hard for White, who was already in need of consistent reps to catch up as a cold-weather prep bat who never focused on baseball full-time. While it's tough to draw anything conclusive from 40 career plate appearances, he still appears to be the same strong, explosive athlete with plus raw power potential who battles swing-and-miss issues (42% strikeout rate). White is already physically mature. He's a plus runner now who could slow down a tick as he gets older, which could force him to a corner outfield spot.

The Future: The Pirates expect White will be healthy for spring training and he'll be just 20 years old on Opening Day. There's a bundle of intriguing traits to work with, but he needs to remain healthy and make up for lost time.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 40. Power: 60. Speed: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50.

BA Grade/Risk: 40/High

Track Record: The Pirates signed Alvarez for just $2,000 as a 22nd-round pick out of Washington State in 2019 and he was still in extended spring training until an opening emerged with High-A Greensboro in July 2021. Alvarez made an impression, hitting .288 with seven homers, but his true breakout came in 2022 after reworking his swing. Alvarez hit .220 with 20 homers and 21 steals for Double-A Altoona in his age-25 season.

Scouting Report: Alvarez credits his work with Pirates minor league hitting coach Jon Nunnally for unlocking his power potential. They worked on two things: Identifying better pitches to hit and backspinning the baseball to maximize Alvarez's average power when he lifts the ball. The results led to the first 20-20 season in Altoona history. Previously a contact-oriented hitter, Alvarez's strikeout rate climbed and production dipped throughout the season as he tried to find the right balance in his approach. Defensively, Alvarez is sure-handed and capable of playing anywhere in the dirt. He also expanded his versatility to left field for the first time in 2022. The Pirates admire Alvarez's work ethic, noting he's played winter ball each of the last two seasons.

The Future: He'll have to prove his swing changes stick, but Alvarez's improved power potential, speed and defensive versatility has put him on the Pirates' prospect radar.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 50. Speed: 55. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50.