Pirates Farm System
Pirates Top 30 Prospects No. 18: Billy Cook a Defensive Gem
This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.
One of just three players in Pittsburgh Baseball Now’s Top 30 Pirates prospects to have actually made his MLB debut, Billy Cook slashed .225/.225/.449 with two doubles, three homers and .6 bWAR accumulated as a September call up this past season, playing in 16 games for the Buccos.
A 5-foot-11, 205 pound outfielder who also played at three of four infield positions during his time in the minor leagues, Pittsburgh acquired Cook from the Baltimore Orioles via trade at the 2024 deadline.
Cook’s performance at the plate took an immediate jump once he joined the Pirates, with 7 doubles and 5 homers in 30 games for the Indianapolis Indians. For a team like Pittsburgh that has struggled to develop hitting prospects (not to mention get the most out of current big league bats) for the duration of the current front office regime, Cook’s immediate impact provided a breath of fresh air. His speed and arm strength combine to make him an excellent defender, and he made a series of highlight-reel worthy plays in the field during his brief sojourn in the big leagues, picking up two assists and a double play during just 12 games in the outfield.
Defense will help him hold on to a roster spot, at least as a utility man or late inning substitution, as will his plus power, if he can continue to tap into it.