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
7. Alen Hanson, 2B
6. Nick Kingham, RHP
5. Reese McGuire, C
We continue the countdown with the number 4 prospect, Josh Bell.
4. Josh Bell, 1B
The Pirates gave Josh Bell a record-shattering bonus in 2011, paying him $5 M as a second round pick in order to break his commitment to the University of Texas. They paid that amount because Bell projected to eventually be an impact hitter, with the potential to hit for average and hit for power from both sides of the plate. The 2014 season finally saw Bell show his potential at the plate.
Bell went to West Virginia in 2012 for his pro debut, but the debut was short-lived. He injured his knee early in the season, and missed the rest of the year due to swelling issues and slow draining liquid in his knee. He returned to West Virginia in 2013, and had decent numbers, but nothing that lived up to expectations. He moved up to Bradenton in 2014, and that’s when he broke out at the plate.
One issue for Bell in his career has been his swing from the right side. The left side swing looks smooth, and has been effective. The right side has looked awkward, off-balanced, and hasn’t produced results during the first two years. Bell likes to start with an open stance to see the ball better, but the Pirates want him getting squared up earlier, rather than later. This leads to a two-part swing, and it’s not always smooth. He did show improvements against lefties as the 2014 season went on, picking up his production around the end of May, and continuing his strong hitting until his promotion.
Bell struggled once he reached Altoona, mostly from the power standpoint. He hit for average, and had good plate patience, but the power didn’t show up. This was a small sample size, although it became more concerning that he didn’t hit for power in the AFL at the end of the season. Considering Bell’s track record of hitting for power throughout his career, this could be chalked up to a slow adjustment to the upper levels, rather than a sign that he won’t hit for power.
The 2015 season should see Bell return to Altoona, and likely spend most of the season at the level. Due to the current outfield options in Pittsburgh, the Pirates are having Bell learn first base. He should get a full season to learn the position, plus try and adjust to upper level pitching. That would put him on pace to go to Indianapolis for half a season in 2016, after which he would take over as the starting first baseman in Pittsburgh. He’s got a bat you can dream on, with the rare combination of the ability to hit for average, get on base, hit for power, and all while limiting strikeouts.
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