The Pirates Prospects 2015 Prospect Guide is now on sale. The book features prospect reports on everyone in the system, the 2015 top 50 prospects, and the most comprehensive coverage of the Pirates’ farm system that you can find. While the top 50 prospects are exclusive to the book, we will be releasing the top 20 prospects over the next few weeks. Be sure to purchase your copy of the book on the products page of the site.
To recap the countdown so far:
20. Luis Heredia, RHP
19. JaCoby Jones, SS
18. Willy Garcia, OF
17. Clay Holmes, RHP
16. Gage Hinsz, RHP
15. Trey Supak, RHP
14. Cody Dickson, LHP
13. John Holdzkom, RHP
12. Adrian Sampson, RHP
11. Harold Ramirez, OF
10. Elias Diaz, C
9. Cole Tucker, SS
8. Mitch Keller, RHP
We continue the countdown with the number 7 prospect, Alen Hanson.
7. Alen Hanson, 2B
The question surrounding Alen Hanson the last few years has been whether he would be able to stick at shortstop. That question seems to have an answer following the 2014 season. Hanson struggled once again with his defense at shortstop, still showing the skills needed to play the position, but lacking the consistency needed to be a good defender. A lot of his defensive issues have come on routine plays, and that was not an issue he could overcome, even after multiple benchings to clear his head.
Hanson was moved to second base at the end of the season, which was partially due to his struggles, but also due to the developments Jordy Mercer made in the majors. With Mercer currently the long-term shortstop, the Pirates decided to switch Hanson to second to speed up his bat to the majors, rather than continue to work on the defense at shortstop.
Aside from the lack of consistency on routine plays, Hanson’s biggest issue at shortstop was a lack of arm strength. He had enough strength to make the throw from short, but his arm was average at best. He displayed a lot of range at short, and that should serve him well at second, while the arm strength won’t be an issue. The consistency problems could still be an issue.
The biggest strength for Hanson is his bat. He profiles as a speedy leadoff hitter who can hit for average with some power from the middle infield spots. His walk rate has dropped in Double-A, and he will need that to rebound in order to be a leadoff guy. Whether he was playing second or short, he was always going to be an offense-first middle infielder. He has the bat to be a top prospect at either position. Hanson’s move to second base was made to speed his bat up, with a 2015 debut in mind. He should start off with Indianapolis, and could be in the majors if Neil Walker goes down with an injury. His long-term outlook is the starting second baseman in Pittsburgh. (UPDATE: The Prospect Guide was written before Jung Ho Kang was added to the system. Kang will give Hanson competition as the long-term second baseman, although I’m not sure I’d consider Kang the favorite right now.)
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