The Pittsburgh Pirates announced a slew of new non-roster invitees to Spring Training on Thursday, even sneaking in a new minor league signing in it — veteran infielder Chris Owings.
There are plenty of expected names that got the invite for big league camp, including the three first round picks made under Ben Cherington, as well as some other promising players throughout the system.
While catching a look at some of the top prospects is an obvious must, to see how they do surrounded by major league players, here are three other names worth watching during camp.
Jared Jones
The team’s second round pick back in Cherington’s first draft, Jones still has some of the best raw stuff in the entire system. He led all Pirates minor league pitchers in strikeouts, and doubled his innings pitched from the previous season.
He struggled with his control a bit, and was hit pretty hard in High-A, but if there is a breakout candidate that already possesses great stuff, Jones is it.
Getting some time around some big leaguers, including veteran Rich Hill, who was drafted one year (2002) after Jones was born (2001), may go a long way into helping the young righty put it all together.
Matt Gorski
An injury derailed the absolute breakout season he was having, as Gorski could have made a legit push for a 30/30 season. He has some of the best power in the system, but also most of his damage was done in High-A Greensboro (as an older player for the level) and also still showed some swing and miss concerns throughout the year.
#Pirates prospect Matt Gorski showing off his tools for the @AltoonaCurve:
While Spring Training results rarely tell the full story of things, it will be interesting to see how he fares against major league pitching, should he get the opportunity.
His ability to hit for power, and play a strong center field, could make him an ideal early season call up should they need a right-handed bat not on the 40-man. A strong showing in camp can put him in that position.
Chris Owings
When the Pirates announced the non-roster invitees, they also used it as an opportunity to announce the signing of Chris Owings — a major league veteran who has played almost every position in the field. Owings had a brief outburst of offense with the Colorado Rockies, but has been mostly a below average hitter the majority of his career.
The only reason this signing is noteworthy is that he is a potential right-handed bat that can also play both middle-infield positions. Pittsburgh has no shortage of options to play the middle infield positions, but since the trade of Kevin Newman, they don’t have any right-handers with major league experience.
Fangraphs has him as a positive defender at second base for his career, as does Baseball-Reference. There’s a scenario that could play out where Owings plays second and Rodolfo Castro is at shortstop against a lefty, to give Oneil Cruz a day off.
This could be a depth signing, but with how crowded the infield picture is in the minors, and his major league experience, this seems more like a ‘let’s give him a shot because he potentially fills a need’.
Bonus: Termarr Johnson
It probably shouldn’t be a complete surprise that your most recent fourth overall pick ends up in major league camp, but with a June birthday, he will still be 18-years-old during Spring Training.
Really it’s just a good experience for one of the most hyped prep prospects to come through the draft in some time.
Highlight of the Day
Pirates Prospects Daily
By Tim Williams
**The Pirates announced their non-roster invitees yesterday, including the signing of veteran infielder Chris Owings.
**The Athletic ranked the Pirates as the sixth best farm system. ESPN followed up by ranking them ninth.
**Missed yesterday? Anthony looked at the strong depth at third base throughout the Pirates organization.
Song of the Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RyInjfgNc4
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