Five Pirates in Top 50 of MLB Pipeline’s Updated Top 100 Prospects

MLB Pipeline released released their updated top 100 prospects list and five Pirates prospects wound up in the top half of the list. Henry Davis (19th), Oneil Cruz (20th), Nick Gonzales (31st), Quinn Priester (36th) and Liover Peguero (45th) are all included in the list. Roansy Contreras, who was rank 67th in the last update, has since graduated.

Davis jumps up two spots and overtakes Gonzales as the team’s top prospect. The 2021 first overall pick has gotten off to a slow start in 17 games with Double-A Altoona, but has otherwise been very impressive at the plate as he’s worked his way up the Pirates system.

Of the five on the list, Cruz is the only one who has logged significant time at the Major League level as he has played 15 games with Pittsburgh this season since being recalled last month. Cruz has recorded three homers and has driven in 13 runs this year with the Bucs.

Gonzales slides 13 spots from 18th to 31st on the list, but is still regarded as one of the better infield prospects in the sport. Gonzales is currently on the 60-day injured list with Altoona as he is dealing with plantar fasciitis.

Priester has seen his ranking jump up 15 spots to 36th. The 2019 first-rounder has a deep arsenal that features one of the best curveballs in the minor leagues. the right-hander continues to work his way up the Pirates system as he has now made three starts with Double-A Altoona since returning from injury.

Finally, Peguero has enjoyed a strong start to his season that allowed him to make his Major League debut earlier this year. The 21-year-old picked up his first career big league hit and drew a walk in his first career game. The shortstop has displayed tools that make him such an intriguing prospect with Altoona this season.