Welcome to the Pirates Prospects daily video rundown, where we pull some of the top videos of the Pittsburgh Pirates across the internet.
Ke’Bryan Hayes
He’s always hit the ball hard, continually finishing among the best in the league when it comes to exit velocity. The issue has been getting enough lift to do damage with the amount of power he is making contact with the ball.
107.1 mph laser from Ke'Bryan Hayes 👀 pic.twitter.com/SCFskfW1pf
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 18, 2023
This one was launched at a pretty ideal angle, something he’s really done well this spring. At 107.1 mph off the bat, Hayes hit his third home run this year on Saturday against the Twins. All three have traveled at least 107 mph off the bat as well.
Mitch Keller
Looking to take another step forward this upcoming season, Keller has looked fantastic in spring. One of the bigger reasons, he’s been implementing the cutter more against lefties.
Keller isn't just getting some whiffs with his cutter, but he's shattering some bats, too. pic.twitter.com/pEkEgkqB3t
— Justice delos Santos (@justdelossantos) March 18, 2023
Here we see him breaking a hitter’s bat with the pitch during his latest start on Saturday. Keller struck out seven batters in 4.2 innings, allowing just one run on three hits, while also hitting two batters.
KKꓘKKꓘKKeller pic.twitter.com/cPXwhI2CRR
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 18, 2023
Anthony began writing over 10 years ago, starting a personal blog to cover the 2011 MLB draft, where the Pirates selected first overall. After bouncing around many websites covering hockey, he refocused his attention to baseball, his first love when it comes to sports. He eventually found himself here at Pirates Prospects in late 2021, where he covers the team’s four full season minor league affiliates.
So far the three biggest positives out of spring training are, Hayes hitting with a much better launch angle, Swaggerty hitting very well, and 4 (or 5) of the starters pitching well.
Good summary, I’d add (1) no Bryan Reynolds drama, he’s a pro; (2) reduced K rate for OCruz; and (3) rooting for Drew “Wake Up I think I have something to say to you” Maggi
I agree that there is no Reynolds drama, but I am concerned where his head is. He is hitting .121 striking out 1/3 of the time and not looking good in the field. Even though he hasn’t said anything wrong, he doesn’t seem himself out there.
Little victories!