With Spring Training right around the corner, we still are a little bit away from finding out where most prospects will start their seasons. It might be a little bit easier to project for those who have been in the system for a couple of years, but for the ones a little newer to the system, it can be more difficult.
Another harder task is determining when they might have a player make the jump from the complex league to Single-A Bradenton.
When looking at the FCL roster, and who might make the leap to full season ball, there are plenty of names to track, especially in the outfield.
Shalin Polanco
This might be one of the most notable names moving up from the complex to full season baseball. Polanco signed one of the biggest International bonuses in franchise history. A toolsy outfielder, he’s still a lot more projection than anything else, but still put up a 97 wRC+ this past season in the FCL.
Shalin Polanco went 2-4 with 3 RBI’s today for the DSL Pirates Black. Those two hits were a double and the homer you see here. pic.twitter.com/Us15arst7g
— Cody Potanko (@2HG013) August 1, 2021
He’ll turn 19 early in February, putting him right at the age the Pirates like to push some of their younger prospects to Bradenton.
Braylon Bishop
Another player that’s far more projection than anything else (you’ll notice a theme), Bishop has the potential to be one of two over slot signings from the 2021 draft class to roam the outfield for the Marauders this season.
He flashed some of his speed last year (10 stolen bases), but hasn’t put much of that raw power to use yet on the field. He will turn 20 during the season.
Enmanuel Terrero
An International signing in 2019, Terrero walked more than he struck out last season, but didn’t show a lot of power. He was still one of the best hitters on the Pirates’ FCL team, with a .330/.446/.443 slash, nine stolen bases and 22 runs. He was a very extreme ground ball hitter, with a 61.7 GB%.
Esmerlyn Valdez
Valdez was one of the better hitters on the FCL team last year, posting a 117 wRC+ in 124 plate appearances. He hit three home runs and drove in 20 RBI while posting a .162 ISO in 2022. He’ll be 19-years-old for the entirety of the 2023 season.
PITT IF prospect Yordany De Los Santos throws it down to Esmerlyn Valdez to complete the rep at camp today. Valdez approves the smoothness #defense #prospects pic.twitter.com/pXwnFqo8xx
— Florida Prospect Report (@FLProspectPod) January 26, 2023
He’s also played some first base, which could free up more playing time for himself and the others here.
Lonnie White Jr.
The other over slot signing from the 2021 draft, White was another multi-sport athlete that was on his way to college to also play football (along with Bubba Chandler). In the brief time we’ve seen him, White has shown a lot of power, but also some swing and miss issues.
It’s also been 40 total plate appearances so far in his career. He has great raw power and could be a plus defender in center field with his speed and arm. At this point it’s about getting and staying on the field.
Some of the names that could potentially be heading to Bradenton this year may not be household names to start, but there they all have the upside to quickly become recognized if they are able to stay on the field and get some playing time.
The sheer amount of names vying for at-bats should also drive some healthy competition, which can only help everyone improve.
Highlight of the Day
Pirates Prospects Daily
By Tim Williams
**In the latest Pirates Winter Report, John Dreker has an outstanding breakdown of minor league catcher Dylan Shockley, who found lost development time in Australia this winter.
**The Pirates signed RHP Juan Minaya to a minor league deal.
**Missed yesterday? Anthony wrote about the rollercoaster season for Brenden Dixon.
Song of the Day
Pirates Prospects Weekly
Ethan Hullihen is working on a new feature to create a Glossary of transaction details on the site. His first installment is a look at how Optional and Outright Assignments work.
Pirates Business: How Do Optional and Outright Assignments Work?
Wilbur Miller looked at the Pirates’ 2019 draft, which is led by Quinn Priester, but has a lot of other interesting prospects still around.
WTM: The Pirates’ Quirky 2019 Draft
Bubba Chandler was a highlight of the 2021 draft, and Anthony Murphy looked at the progress and potential he showed during his debut season.
Bubba Chandler Showed Progress and Potential In His Debut Season
