Samuel Inoa

WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE

2016
DSL:  220/294/299, 127 AB, 3 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 10 BB, 25 K, 1-4 SB

Inoa only caught in 23 games, as the team also had Gabriel Brito at the position.  Inoa struggled at the plate and also had defensive issues, including a dozen errors.

2017
DSL:  316/433/487, 117 AB, 10 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 21 BB, 21 K, 1-4 SB

The Pirates sent Inoa back to the DSL and he improved dramatically.  He cooled off some after a huge start, but still hit well, with an OPS of 1.076 in June and .820 in July.  He also reportedly improved a great deal defensively.  He cut his errors down, although he still had too many with nine in a little more playing time, and he still threw out 27% of base stealers.  Inoa’s playing time was limited by injuries.  He missed time early in the season after getting hit by a pitch and missed all of August, except one at-bat, due to a hand injury.

2018
R:  289/324/505, 97 AB, 2 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 4 BB, 17 K, 2-3 SB

Inoa moved up to the GCL, but was limited by hamstring problems.  He played in only 19 games and caught in only eight.  He played five games at first and otherwise served as DH.  When he was able to play, he hit very well, with good power but not much patience.

2019
R+:  289/359/422, 83 AB, 2 2B, 3 HR, 7 BB, 29 K, 3-6 SB

Inoa spent the season at Bristol and divided his time between first and DH, so catching appears to be a thing of the past.  He hit decently, with some power but a high K rate.  His playing time was only sporadic all season.  By the end of the season and in the playoffs, the team was using utility infielder Matt Morrow at first.

It’s not clear where Inoa can go as a first baseman, as the Pirates prefer to use the position to get time for utility players and backup catchers.  He hit well enough at Bristol that you’d think he’d have gotten more playing time.