Pirates Top 30 Prospects No. 6: Nick Yorke, Potential Swiss Army Knife

This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.

Needing bats at the July deadline, the Pirates swung a trade with the Red Sox for infielder and former first round draft pick Nick Yorke.

An adequate bat at second base, a position better known for steady defense than eye-popping power, Yorke put together a .808 OPS across parts of four seasons in the Boston and Pittsburgh systems and showed decent ability on the basepaths. The 22 year old also spent time at the corner outfield positions during his time in the minors, versatility that can help him hold on to a roster spot.

Upon joining the Pirates’ organization, Yorke put together one of the best offensive runs of his professional career, slashing .355/.431/.507 with 17 doubles and two home runs in 40 games for Triple-A Indianapolis. His sudden success at the plate proves encouraging for more than one reason: after seeing too many Pirates position player prospects stagnate in the minor leagues after being drafted for their hot bats, Yorke (and fellow deadline acquisition Billy Cook) gives living testament to the fact that players can see their bats improve under this regime… although forty games is a very small sample size.

Yorke made his big league debut as a September call-up, spending time at second, third and both corner outfield spots across 11 games. His slash line dropped to .216/.286/.378, but it takes time to adjust to Major League pitching and he managed to hit two homers. Yorke’s versatility for a team all too often in flux makes him a player to keep an eye on as the Pirates compile their roster for 2025, whether he’s the first man off the bench or nabs an everyday spot.