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TYLER FILLIBEN, SHORTSTOP
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| Born: August 8, 1992 Height: 6′ 2″ Weight: 200 Bats: Right Throws: Right Drafted: 12th Round, 371st Overall, 2014 How Acquired: Draft College: Samford University Agent: N/A |
WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES |
| Filliben saw his college career derailed after his freshman season. He was hit in the wrist in the summer of 2011. He ended up having surgery to repair torn cartilage following a 2012 season that was impacted by the injured wrist. A setback and a second surgery put him out for the 2013 season. He returned in 2014 and put up good numbers, raising his profile to the point where Baseball America ranked him the 320th best draft prospect. Filliben was drafted as a shortstop, but due to a lack of range, he profiles best at third base. He could eventually move to first base or the outfield. He has some power and, while he doesn’t strike out a lot, he also may not hit for average. Filliben has below average speed. He signed shortly after the draft.
2014 The Pirates assigned Filliben to Jamestown and he played shortstop there exclusively. He split time with Erik Forgione and Trace Tam Sing, getting the most playing time of the three, although Sing got the bulk of the playing time after he signed in late July. Filliben showed possibly the best range of the three, but had problems with errors, committing 13 in 33 games. He struggled at the plate through June and July, posting an OPS of .666 and .618, respectively. He boosted his numbers by hitting 429/538/619 in just seven games in August. 2015 Filliben spent the season in a utility role at West Virginia. His offensive production was almost identical to the previous year, except for reduced power. He got on base at a good rate. Filliben split his time almost evenly among second, third and short, getting a little more time at short due to injuries to Cole Tucker. 2016 Filliben returned to play the same role at West Virginia, dividing his time between second, third and short. He struggled defensively, with both errors and lack of range. He also struggled at the plate, partly due to an increased K rate and a walk rate that was half what it was the previous year. Filliben’s poor season probably left him behind Logan Ratledge, who had a much better season, on the utility depth chart. If he’s still around in 2017, Filliben could appear with either class A affiliate. |
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CONTRACT INFORMATION
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| 2017: Minor league contract |
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PLAYER INFORMATION
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| Signing Bonus: N/A MiLB Debut: 2014 MLB Debut: MiLB FA Eligible: 2020 MLB FA Eligible: Rule 5 Eligible: 2017 Added to 40-Man: Options Remaining: 3 MLB Service Time: 0.000 |
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TRANSACTIONS
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| June 7, 2014: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 12th round, 371st overall pick; signed on June 11. |
