Javier Rivas

JAVIER RIVAS, SHORTSTOP
Born: September 1, 2002
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 165
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Signed: Int’l Free Agent, 2019, Pittsburgh Pirates
How Acquired: International Free Agent
Country: Venezuela
Agent: N/A

WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE
Rivas was a prominent signing for the Pirates out of Venezuela.  He’s tall and thin, with a big frame that should allow him to get stronger.  When the Pirates signed him, he was thought to have considerable upside as a hitter.  Given his size, an eventual move to third seems possible, but so far he’s shown very good ability at short.  He has the arm to play there or at third.

2020
DNP

2021
DSL:  133/214/173, 173 AB, 5 2B, 1 3B, 11 BB, 56 K, 6-10 SB

Rivas obviously had a very rough time at the plate in his debut.  He struggled severely throughout the season and obviously had a lot of trouble making contact.  He played short, except for four games at third.

2022
R:  265/337/419, 155 AB, 9 2B, 5 HR, 10 BB, 43 K, 4-5 SB

Despite his difficult start, the Pirates moved Rivas up to the FCL.  He most often played short, while spending some time at third and a little at second.  Rivas showed more than enough ability to stay at short, as he made a number of highlight reel plays.  His hitting was completely different from 2021, much of it coming in a blistering July when he hit 344/437/557.  He remained prone to chasing pitches outside the strike zone, but his K rate was more high than alarming.

Rivas got himself on the prospect track in 2022.  He’ll be in Bradenton in 2022 and will be eligible for Rule 5 after the season.

CONTRACT INFORMATION
2023: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2021
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2025
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2023
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
July 2, 2019: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.