2021 Pittsburgh Pirates Top MLB Prospects

CLICK HERE TO SEE PITTSBURGH’S TOP 10 2021 PROSPECTS

By Tim Williams

The Pirates system is on the mend under Ben Cherington’s leadership, evident by a rising core of infield prospects who could be ticketed for Pittsburgh in relatively short order. Today we rank the 10 best players in their system.

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Here’s how we project their lineup in 2024, with their 2024 age in parentheses.

(This lineup has been updated to reflect the trades of Josh Bell, Joe Musgrove and Jameson Taillon.)

Catcher: Jacob Stallings (34)
First Base: Colin Moran (31)
Second Base: Nick Gonzales (25)
Third Base: Ke’Bryan Hayes (27)
Shortstop: Liover Peguero (23)
Left Field: Bryan Reynolds (29)
Center Field: Hudson Head (23)
Right Field: Oneil Cruz (25)
Designated Hitter: Travis Swaggerty (26)

No. 1 Starter: Mitch Keller (28)
No. 2 Starter: Quinn Priester (23)
No. 3 Starter: Cody Bolton (26)
No. 4 Starter: Brennan Malone (23)
No. 5 Starter: Miguel Yajure (26)
Closer: Tahnaj Thomas (25)

Listed below are the prospects with the best tools within the organization. To go directly to Pittsburgh’s Top 10, click here.

Best Hitter for Average: Nick Gonzales
Best Power Hitter: Oneil Cruz
Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Ke’Bryan Hayes
Fastest Baserunner: Jasiah Dixon
Best Athlete: Oneil Cruz
Best Fastball: Blake Cederlind
Best Curveball: Quinn Priester
Best Slider: Cody Bolton
Best Changeup: James Marvel
Best Control: Aaron Shortridge
Best Defensive Catcher: Christian Kelley
Best Defensive Infielder: Ke’Bryan Hayes
Best Infield Arm: Oneil Cruz
Best Defensive Outfielder: Jared Oliva
Best Outfield Arm: Travis Swaggerty