MLB Pipeline has been pumping out their Top 10 prospects at each position over the last couple of days, with their second base rankings dropping on Friday. It was the second position that the Pirates had multiple players on, joining catcher.
Termarr Johnson took home the honors of being ranked the top second base prospect in all of baseball, with Nick Gonzales coming in at number eight.
The rankings reaffirm one of the team’s strengths throughout the organization, at not only second base but the middle infield in general.
Two of the three first round picks made by Ben Cherington – both top 10 picks – have been players that project as second baseman, so it really shouldn’t be a surprise that they both ended up on the list.
The depth doesn’t stop there, as it goes throughout the system as well, from the top all the way to the bottom.
Major League Level
At the moment, Rodolfo Castro is in line to get the nod at second base to start the season after hitting 11 home runs in 2022 with the Pirates. He’s been a somewhat streaky hitter, but also has hit 16 home runs across his first 339 plate appearances.
There’s been a lot of International talk as of late, and it’s fitting as both Castro and Ji-Hwan Bae were both signed and developed by the Pirates, and now could compete for playing time at second base this year. Bae has more speed/contact compared to Castro’s power, making them an interesting combination.
Upper Minors
Injuries have limited Gonzales to 151 non-rehab games, but his advanced bat should put him in position to start the year in Triple-A, waiting for a shot in the majors. He’s flashed some power, and even with some swing and miss issues certainly has the pedigree to be on the Top 10 list. With some more contact, Gonzales could find his way back on a lot of Top 100 lists.
Here's a look at all three doubles by Nick Gonzales, including his walk-off #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/pb2bOENj40
— Anthony Murphy (@__Murphy88) August 18, 2022
Another name to watch is Andres Alvarez, who put together the first 20-20 season in the history of the Altoona Curve. He played all over the infield and some in left field, but seems like the best fit is at second.
Lower Levels
Johnson leads the lower levels, and for just cause. He is one of the most highly regarded prep hitters in recent years, mostly for his very strong hit tool. He flashed some of that and his power potential in a brief stint in Bradenton to close out the season.
Being just 19-years-old, he could start back in Bradenton, but the Pirates have never been shy about getting aggressive with some prospects.
Tsung-Che Cheng showed he has the range to man shortstop, playing over 700 innings at the position in 2022 with the Marauders. He also logged over 100 innings at second base as well. The Pirates have Oneil Cruz (6’7”) and Castro (6’0”) as their potential double play combination in Pittsburgh. On the opposite end of that, both Cheng and Johnson measure in around 5’7”.
Depth at any position is a good thing, and while it does look incredibly crowded, it does give the Pirates a better chance at finding a permanent double play partner with Cruz, and if multiple of them establish themselves as major leaguers, they can work a trade out to address another position of need.
Highlight of the Day
Pirates Prospects Daily
By Tim Williams
**As mentioned above, Termarr Johnson was ranked as the best second base prospect.
**The Pirates officially signed Andrew McCutchen. They also designated Miguel Andujar for assignment.
**Brendt Citta was placed on the voluntarily retired list.
**Missed yesterday? Anthony looked at Liover Peguero and how he’s a reminder that development isn’t linear.
Song of the Day
