The Pirates Are Converting Daniel Rivero From Outfield to Pitcher

The Pittsburgh Pirates are converting Daniel Rivero from an outfielder to a pitcher in the Florida Complex League this year.

Rivero, signed by the Pirates in July 2017, has a .285/.362/.345 line in 534 at-bats across three seasons in rookie ball and Single-A. Last year he made it to Bradenton, where he had a .241/.381/.333 line in 108 at-bats.

The standout tool for Rivero has been his arm, grading as one of the best outfield arms in the system. An outfield that is growing more crowded forced the move to the mound, and Rivero’s low heartbeat made the Pirates think he could handle the challenge.

“We just loved the kid,” said Pirates farm director John Baker. “Looking at our outfield situation in the organization, we didn’t see a ton of opportunity for him. Because of what we think of the person, and looking at the arm, we thought we’ve got a spot, this is an option for us to see if he can’t get off the bump and pitch.”

Rivero has yet to pitch in a game as he’s been working off the mound for the first time. Baker said that he has rapidly developed a pretty good changeup, and that his fastball is coming along.

“It’s looked really good, really quickly,” said Baker of the fastball. “It’s not huge velocity like we thought it was, but its surprising pitchability.”

It will be a long road for Rivero from the lower levels as a new pitcher. It’s not an impossible road, as it’s one that players have taken before to reach the majors, including some Pirates prospects over the last decade.

Rivero will be an interesting story to follow once the 21-year-old starts getting off the mound in actual games.