Ji Hwan Bae Stats & Scouting Report

AB	74
AVG	.189
OBP	.247
SLG	.216
HR	0

Full name Ji Hwan Bae
Born 07/26/1999 in Daegu, South Korea
Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: L / Throws: R
Debut 09/23/2022

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

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.
Track Record: Bae planned to sign with the Braves in 2017 until his contract was disapproved after MLB disciplined Atlanta for violating international signing rules. He signed with the Pirates in 2018 for $1.25 million. A year later, he served a 30-game suspension after he was convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend in South Korea. After including Bae at their alternate site in 2020, Pittsburgh sent him to Double-A Altoona in 2021.

Scouting Report: Speed and contact skills define Bae’s game, although added strength allowed him to impact the ball a bit more in 2021. He hit the first eight homers of his pro career in the U.S. With that came more swing-and-miss concerns from evaluators. Most agree Bae still projects as a table-setter type who should use his barrel control skills and legit 70-grade speed, with the caveat that his baserunning instincts still need work. His defensive position remains in question. Pittsburgh moved him to second base in 2021, and scouts weren’t overly impressed with his actions. Bae also played nine games in center field, where his speed may end up being more of an asset.

The Future: Without a defined defensive home, Bae may settle into a speedy super-utility role, putting even more stress on his contact skills.
Hitting: 60. Power: 30. Running: 70. Fielding: 55. Arm: 40.

TRACK RECORD: Bae originally signed with the Braves but was declared a free agent after MLB ruled the Braves violated international signing rules. The Pirates signed him in early 2018 for $1.25 million. Bae was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend in South Korea and served a 30-game suspension during the 2019 season. He returned to low Class A Greensboro in late May and won the South Atlantic League batting title with a .323 average. The Pirates brought him to their alternate training site in 2020.

SCOUTING REPORT: Bae projects as a prototypical top-of-the-order shortstop with a contact bat and plus speed. He makes some of the best contact in the system and uses his speed to beat out infield singles and take extra bases when he drives the ball into the gaps. Bae lacks home run power with his slight build, so his slugging contributions will come from doubles and triples. Bae has the range to be an above-average defender at shortstop, but his lack of arm strength raises questions about his ability to stick at the position. His assault conviction raises obvious concerns about his makeup.

THE FUTURE: Bae has a chance to develop into a table-setter at the top of the order or a No. 8 hitter who provides value with his speed and defense. He may see Double-A in 2021.
TRACK RECORD: The Braves originally agreed to sign Bae for $300,000 late in 2017, but Major League Baseball rejected the deal as part of the punishment handed out for Atlanta's international signing scandal. The Pirates signed him four months later for $1.25 million. Bae was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend in South Korea and served a 30-game suspension during the 2019 season. He returned to low Class A Greensboro in May and won the South Atlantic League batting title with a .323 average.

SCOUTING REPORT: Bae is a speedy contact hitter who projects to hit at either the top or bottom of a lineup. He is a slap hitter with power to the gaps, and his 80-grade speed helps him take plenty of extra bases. Bae has yet to homer in 121 career games and doesn't project to ever have much home run power, but he hits enough doubles and triples to post respectable slugging percentages. Bae has the athleticism and range to be an above-average defender at shortstop, though a fringe-average, inaccurate arm raises questions about his ability to stick there. There are obvious makeup concerns after his assault conviction.

THE FUTURE: Bae profiles as a future top-of-the-order hitter with speed and on-base ability. His development as a shortstop will be key to watch in 2020.
Track Record: Bae is one of many former Braves signees who found themselves looking for a new team after MLB slapped sanctions on Atlanta for violating rules in regards to international signings. In Bae's case, his 2017 contract with Atlanta was never officially approved. But because he'd spurned the Korean Baseball Organization draft for Atlanta, he was ineligible to sign with a KBO team. He signed with Pittsburgh for $1.2 million in March, but immediately ran into trouble when he was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend. He returned to Korea to deal with the charge, which resulted in a fine, but was back for the Gulf Coast League schedule.

Scouting Report: Bae profiles as a light-hitting shortstop with a solid glove. His setup begins with high hands and a coiled load. His swing then spins him towards first-base with the kind of jail-break swing that is popular in Asian baseball. It helps him take advantage of his plus speed, but it also ensures that he rarely drives the ball. His approach is all about making contact. Defensively he should be able to stay at shortstop.

The Future: Bae's hitting ability and defense gives him a path to the majors leagues, but without changes in his approach, it's hard to see him being more than a useful utility hitter.

Minor League Top Prospects

Bae was originally signed by the Braves, but then was declared a free agent as part of MLB's penalties for Atlanta's violations of international signings rules and signed with the Pirates. Bae was suspended by MLB for 30 games this season for violating MiLB's domestic violence policy after a South Korean court found him guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Bae won the league's batting crown while showing dynamic speed and defense. In a power-oriented game, Bae is a throwback who shows near bottom-of-the-scale power, but he fits at either the top or bottom of the lineup because of his ability to hit and his top-of-the-scale speed. Bae has the range, actions and hands to be a plus defender at second base. At shortstop, his arm is a little short.

Best Tools List

Rated Best Hitter for Average in the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2020

Scouting Reports

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: 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: 45/High

Midseason Update: Bae&#39s skill set is the same as ever, excellent bat-to-ball skills, blazing speed and the ability play up in the middle both on the infield and in the outfield. He uses the whole field and profiles as a table-setting super utility player.

Track Record: Bae planned to sign with the Braves in 2017 until his contract was disapproved after MLB disciplined Atlanta for violating international signing rules. He signed with the Pirates in 2018 for $1.25 million. A year later, he served a 30-game suspension after he was convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend in South Korea. After including Bae at their alternate site in 2020, Pittsburgh sent him to Double-A Altoona in 2021.

Scouting Report: Speed and contact skills define Bae&#39s game, although added strength allowed him to impact the ball a bit more in 2021. He hit the first eight homers of his pro career in the U.S. With that came more swing-and-miss concerns from evaluators. Most agree Bae still projects as a table-setter type who should use his barrel control skills and legit 70-grade speed, with the caveat that his baserunning instincts still need work. His defensive position remains in question. Pittsburgh moved him to second base in 2021, and scouts weren&#39t overly impressed with his actions. Bae also played nine games in center field, where his speed may end up being more of an asset.

The Future: Without a defined defensive home, Bae may settle into a speedy super-utility role, putting even more stress on his contact skills.
Track Record: Bae planned to sign with the Braves in 2017 until his contract was disapproved after MLB disciplined Atlanta for violating international signing rules. He signed with the Pirates in 2018 for $1.25 million. A year later, he served a 30-game suspension after he was convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend in South Korea. After including Bae at their alternate site in 2020, Pittsburgh sent him to Double-A Altoona in 2021.

Scouting Report: Speed and contact skills define Bae’s game, although added strength allowed him to impact the ball a bit more in 2021. He hit the first eight homers of his pro career in the U.S. With that came more swing-and-miss concerns from evaluators. Most agree Bae still projects as a table-setter type who should use his barrel control skills and legit 70-grade speed, with the caveat that his baserunning instincts still need work. His defensive position remains in question. Pittsburgh moved him to second base in 2021, and scouts weren’t overly impressed with his actions. Bae also played nine games in center field, where his speed may end up being more of an asset.

The Future: Without a defined defensive home, Bae may settle into a speedy super-utility role, putting even more stress on his contact skills.
Hitting: 60. Power: 30. Running: 70. Fielding: 55. Arm: 40.

TRACK RECORD: Bae originally signed with the Braves but was declared a free agent after MLB ruled the Braves violated international signing rules. The Pirates signed him in early 2018 for $1.25 million. Bae was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend in South Korea and served a 30-game suspension during the 2019 season. He returned to low Class A Greensboro in late May and won the South Atlantic League batting title with a .323 average. The Pirates brought him to their alternate training site in 2020.

SCOUTING REPORT: Bae projects as a prototypical top-of-the-order shortstop with a contact bat and plus speed. He makes some of the best contact in the system and uses his speed to beat out infield singles and take extra bases when he drives the ball into the gaps. Bae lacks home run power with his slight build, so his slugging contributions will come from doubles and triples. Bae has the range to be an above-average defender at shortstop, but his lack of arm strength raises questions about his ability to stick at the position. His assault conviction raises obvious concerns about his makeup.

THE FUTURE: Bae has a chance to develop into a table-setter at the top of the order or a No. 8 hitter who provides value with his speed and defense. He may see Double-A in 2021.
Hitting: 60. Power: 30. Running: 70. Fielding: 55. Arm: 40.

TRACK RECORD: Bae originally signed with the Braves but was declared a free agent after MLB ruled the Braves violated international signing rules. The Pirates signed him in early 2018 for $1.25 million. Bae was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend in South Korea and served a 30-game suspension during the 2019 season. He returned to low Class A Greensboro in late May and won the South Atlantic League batting title with a .323 average. The Pirates brought him to their alternate training site in 2020.

SCOUTING REPORT: Bae projects as a prototypical top-of-the-order shortstop with a contact bat and plus speed. He makes some of the best contact in the system and uses his speed to beat out infield singles and take extra bases when he drives the ball into the gaps. Bae lacks home run power with his slight build, so his slugging contributions will come from doubles and triples. Bae has the range to be an above-average defender at shortstop, but his lack of arm strength raises questions about his ability to stick at the position. His assault conviction raises obvious concerns about his makeup.

THE FUTURE: Bae has a chance to develop into a table-setter at the top of the order or a No. 8 hitter who provides value with his speed and defense. He may see Double-A in 2021.
Hitting: 60. Power: 30. Running: 70. Fielding: 55. Arm: 40.

TRACK RECORD: Bae originally signed with the Braves but was declared a free agent after MLB ruled the Braves violated international signing rules. The Pirates signed him in early 2018 for $1.25 million. Bae was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend in South Korea and served a 30-game suspension during the 2019 season. He returned to low Class A Greensboro in late May and won the South Atlantic League batting title with a .323 average. The Pirates brought him to their alternate training site in 2020.

SCOUTING REPORT: Bae projects as a prototypical top-of-the-order shortstop with a contact bat and plus speed. He makes some of the best contact in the system and uses his speed to beat out infield singles and take extra bases when he drives the ball into the gaps. Bae lacks home run power with his slight build, so his slugging contributions will come from doubles and triples. Bae has the range to be an above-average defender at shortstop, but his lack of arm strength raises questions about his ability to stick at the position. His assault conviction raises obvious concerns about his makeup.

THE FUTURE: Bae has a chance to develop into a table-setter at the top of the order or a No. 8 hitter who provides value with his speed and defense. He may see Double-A in 2021.
TRACK RECORD: The Braves originally agreed to sign Bae for $300,000 late in 2017, but Major League Baseball rejected the deal as part of the punishment handed out for Atlanta’s international signing scandal. The Pirates signed him four months later for $1.25 million. Bae was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend in South Korea and served a 30-game suspension during the 2019 season. He returned to low Class A Greensboro in May and won the South Atlantic League batting title with a .323 average.

SCOUTING REPORT: Bae is a speedy contact hitter who projects to hit at either the top or bottom of a lineup. He is a slap hitter with power to the gaps, and his 80-grade speed helps him take plenty of extra bases. Bae has yet to homer in 121 career games and doesn’t project to ever have much home run power, but he hits enough doubles and triples to post respectable slugging percentages. Bae has the athleticism and range to be an above-average defender at shortstop, though a fringe-average, inaccurate arm raises questions about his ability to stick there. There are obvious makeup concerns after his assault conviction.

THE FUTURE: Bae profiles as a future top-of-the-order hitter with speed and on-base ability. His development as a shortstop will be key to watch in 2020.
TRACK RECORD: The Braves originally agreed to sign Bae for $300,000 late in 2017, but Major League Baseball rejected the deal as part of the punishment handed out for Atlanta's international signing scandal. The Pirates signed him four months later for $1.25 million. Bae was convicted of assaulting his girlfriend in South Korea and served a 30-game suspension during the 2019 season. He returned to low Class A Greensboro in May and won the South Atlantic League batting title with a .323 average.

SCOUTING REPORT: Bae is a speedy contact hitter who projects to hit at either the top or bottom of a lineup. He is a slap hitter with power to the gaps, and his 80-grade speed helps him take plenty of extra bases. Bae has yet to homer in 121 career games and doesn't project to ever have much home run power, but he hits enough doubles and triples to post respectable slugging percentages. Bae has the athleticism and range to be an above-average defender at shortstop, though a fringe-average, inaccurate arm raises questions about his ability to stick there. There are obvious makeup concerns after his assault conviction.

THE FUTURE: Bae profiles as a future top-of-the-order hitter with speed and on-base ability. His development as a shortstop will be key to watch in 2020.
Bae was originally signed by the Braves, but then was declared a free agent as part of MLB's penalties for Atlanta's violations of international signings rules and signed with the Pirates. Bae was suspended by MLB for 30 games this season for violating MiLB's domestic violence policy after a South Korean court found him guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Bae won the league's batting crown while showing dynamic speed and defense. In a power-oriented game, Bae is a throwback who shows near bottom-of-the-scale power, but he fits at either the top or bottom of the lineup because of his ability to hit and his top-of-the-scale speed. Bae has the range, actions and hands to be a plus defender at second base. At shortstop, his arm is a little short.

Career Transactions

Pittsburgh Pirates recalled CF Ji Hwan Bae from Indianapolis Indians.
Indianapolis Indians activated SS Ji Hwan Bae.
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned SS Ji Hwan Bae to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates recalled SS Ji Hwan Bae from Indianapolis Indians.
SS Ji Hwan Bae roster status changed by Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned SS Ji Hwan Bae to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates activated SS Ji Hwan Bae from the 10-day injured list.
Pittsburgh Pirates sent SS Ji Hwan Bae on a rehab assignment to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates placed SS Ji Hwan Bae on the 10-day injured list retroactive to June 3, 2024. Right wrist sprain.
Pittsburgh Pirates recalled SS Ji Hwan Bae from Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned SS Ji Hwan Bae to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates activated SS Ji Hwan Bae from the 10-day injured list.
Pittsburgh Pirates sent SS Ji Hwan Bae on a rehab assignment to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates sent SS Ji Hwan Bae on a rehab assignment to Bradenton Marauders.
Pittsburgh Pirates sent SS Ji Hwan Bae on a rehab assignment to Bradenton Marauders.
Pittsburgh Pirates placed SS Ji Hwan Bae on the 10-day injured list retroactive to March 25, 2024. Strain of left hip muscle.
Pittsburgh Pirates sent SS Ji Hwan Bae on a rehab assignment to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates sent SS Ji Hwan Bae on a rehab assignment to Indianapolis Indians.
Pittsburgh Pirates placed SS Ji Hwan Bae on the 10-day injured list. Left ankle sprain.
Pittsburgh Pirates activated SS Ji Hwan Bae.
Pittsburgh Pirates activated SS Ji Hwan Bae.