Under the Radar Pirates’ Prospects to Follow in 2024 (+)
The Pittsburgh Pirates have plenty of star power in their minor-league system.
Paul Skenes is one of the biggest must-watch prospects in the entire league. 2022 first-rounder Termarr Johnson was electric for much of spring training and looks poised for a big season. Jared Jones nearly set a franchise record with 10 strikeouts in his big-league debut.
Though there are plenty of big names to follow in the Pirates’ organization, there are many others who don’t quite generate the same buzz.
Triple-A Indianapolis already began their 2024 season. Double-A Altoona, High-A Greensboro and Low-A Bradenton all start their seasons on Friday.
As the minor leagues get underway, here are some under the radar Pirates’ prospects to follow this year.
OF Lonnie White Jr. (No. 12)
OK, White may not be a typical “under the radar” choice — he has some notoriety. However, injuries have limited the 21-year-old to just 72 games since he was selected in the second round of the 2021 draft.
When White has been healthy, he’s certainly shown he has the ability. In his minor-league career, White has slashed .274/.392/.491 with 19 doubles, 12 home runs, 48 RBIs and 18 stolen bases.
White spent the majority of last season with Bradenton and on display was his power and speed combination.
If White can put together a fully healthy season this year, he has a chance to shoot up the Pirates’ top 30 prospects list.
OF Shalin Polanco (No. 16)
Another guy I just have to mention even though he’s considered a top 30 Pirates’ prospect is Polanco.
The 20-year-old was a big prize in the Pirates’ international class when he signed in Jan. 2021. After a shaky start to begin his professional career, Polanco began to show signs last season.
Polanco spent the entire year with the Bradenton Marauders and managed a .763 OPS in 70 games. The left-handed hitter doubled 16 times, hit 12 home runs, drove in 45 runs and stole 17 bases.
If Polanco can make more consistent contact (87 strikeouts in 303 plate appearances), he could take another big step forward this season.
RHP David Matoma (N/R)
Matoma instantly became a compelling storyline when the Pirates signed him out of Uganda.
The 6-foot, 154-pound Matoma may not have the biggest frame, but he has a big arm. His fastball can hit triple digits on the radar gun.
The 18-year-old made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League last year and totaled 16.2 innings across nine appearances. Matoma did not allow a single run in any of those appearances and struck out 14 batters.
INF/OF Charles McAdoo (N/R)
McAdoo is one of the newest prospects in the organization. The Pirates selected him in the 13th round of last year’s draft out of San Jose State University.
He may have been overshadowed by Skenes as both started their minor-league careers at roughly the same time, But McAdoo made an instant impact with Bradenton.
In 28 games with the Marauders, McAdoo slashed .302/.412/.510. He hit five homers, swiped five bags and drove in 24 runs.
Defensively, McAdoo can bounce around. He played left field, second base and a brief appearance at first base after being drafted.
OF Eddy Rodriguez (N/R)
Since joining the Pirates’ organization, Rodriguez has been a steady contributor in each of his first three seasons.
He’s continued to get better each year and had his best season with the FCL Pirates in 2023. The 20-year-old hit a career-best .295 with a .409 on-base percentage. Rodriguez doesn’t strikeout much (16.4% strikeout rate) and draws his share of walks (11.9% walk rate).
Despite not showing much power, he still has an intriguing skillset.
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