The DSL Pirates teams ended their seasons this week, which brings the rookie-level affiliates to an end.
I’ve been reviewing the best performing hitting and pitching prospects in the Pirates’ minor league system this week. Those articles were limited to the full-season teams.
Today, I’m reviewing the best performers on the rookie-league teams in the Florida Complex League and the Dominican Summer League. Below are three hitters and three pitchers from each level.
FCL Pirates
The FCL is one of the most pitcher friendly leagues in the minors. Hitters averaged a .241/.354/.356 line, with very little power, and a benefit from a lack of control from the pitchers. The pitchers, meanwhile, averaged a 4.61 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP, due in large part to a 5.3 BB/9. The hitters who hit for power at this level are usually top prospects, and the pitchers who generate strikeouts tend to overcome the mostly inexperienced batting lineups.
HITTERS
Jhonny Severino, INF – Severino is one of the best stories in the minor league system this year. Acquired for Carlos Santana last summer, the 19-year-old put up a .291/.373/.545 line in the FCL this year, with ten homers and 12 stolen bases. He’s since moved up to the FCL, where he’s hitting consistently, with a .258/.319/.470 line, two homers, and three steals. A shortstop who likely profiles as a third baseman in the future, Severino has emerged as the best hitting prospect from the rookie leagues.
