The Pirates Prospects 2014 Prospect Guide is now on sale. The book features prospect reports on everyone in the system, the 2014 top 50 prospects, and the most comprehensive coverage of the Pirates’ farm system that you can find. While the top 50 prospects are exclusive to the book, we will be releasing the top 20 prospects over the next few weeks. Be sure to purchase your copy of the book on the products page of the site.
To recap the countdown so far:
20. Michael De La Cruz, OF
19. JaCoby Jones, OF
18. Barrett Barnes, OF
17. Cody Dickson, LHP
16. Blake Taylor, LHP
15. Joely Rodriguez, LHP
14. Andrew Lambo, OF
13. Stolmy Pimentel, RHP
12. Clay Holmes, RHP
11. Tony Sanchez, C
10. Harold Ramirez, OF
9. Luis Heredia, RHP
8. Josh Bell, OF
7. Reese McGuire, C
6. Nick Kingham, RHP
5. Alen Hanson, SS
4. Austin Meadows, OF
3. Tyler Glasnow, RHP
2. Jameson Taillon, RHP
Today we conclude the countdown with the number 1 prospect, Gregory Polanco.
1. Gregory Polanco, OF
Two years ago, Polanco was just a tall, projectable hitting prospect with a ton of raw tools. In the last two seasons he has added some weight to his frame, developed his tools, and has turned into the top prospect in the system and a future impact talent in the majors.
Polanco is a true five tool player. He hits for average, hits for power, has plus speed, a plus arm, and is one of the best defensive outfielders in the system. His plate patience is advanced for any hitter, and rare to see from a hitter out of the Dominican Republic. That will allow him to maintain a high average throughout his career. He has added power in the last two years, and has enough room in his frame to add weight and one day hit for 30 home runs.
His speed comes from his long legs. One minor league scout watching him in Altoona called him an elite runner (80 grade) for his size. The long legs allow him to cover a ton of ground, giving him great range in the outfield. His one weakness in 2013 came with his routes on straightaway hits to center field. He worked on improving that before leaving Bradenton, but will still need some work before he reaches the majors.
Polanco has the chance to be an impact player in the majors, and he’s not done improving. An AL scout said Polanco improved a different part of his game each time he saw him. His speed, defense, and plate patience will get him to the majors as a starter. He’s got a strong chance to be an impact talent, and the overall package that could allow him to be as good or better than Andrew McCutchen. When added to McCutchen and Starling Marte, Polanco should give the Pirates the best outfield in the majors down the line.
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