Mikell Granberry

MIKELL GRANBERRY, FIRST BASEMAN
Born: August 19, 1995
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 190
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Signed: Int’l Free Agent, 2013, Pittsburgh Pirates
How Acquired: International Free Agent
Country: Mexico
Agent: N/A

WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE

Granberry was a little on the old side, for an international prospect, when he signed at 18.  He’s shown some hitting ability, including decent power.  The Pirates evidently haven’t been impressed with his defense behind the plate, as he’s gradually shifted more and more to first base.

2014
DSL:  259/385/375, 112 AB, 5 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 19 BB, 38 K, 3-4 SB

Granberry had a solid season at the plate in his debut, except that he fanned in a third of his at-bats.  He threw out 23% of base stealers.  Granberry missed several weeks late in the season due to back problems.

2015
DSL:  277/361/436, 188 AB, 7 2B, 4 3B, 5 HR, 22 BB, 51 K, 5-8 SB

The Pirates sent Granberry back to the DSL for a second season.  He spent half his time at first, in deference to Gabriel Brito.  When catching, he threw out only 16% of base stealers, although part of the problem may have been a pitching staff that was in experienced even by DSL standards.  Granberry hit well and cut his K rate, although it remained above one strikeout per four at-bats.

2016
R:  261/297/403, 119 AB, 9 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 5 BB, 38 K, 3-6 SB

Granberry moved up to the GCL, where he mostly played first.  He got into five games behind the plate, throwing out three of seven base stealers.  He started slowly at the plate, but got hot in late July, only to miss most of August with an injury.  His plate discipline for the season was very poor, but he had five walks and five strikeouts in seven August games, compared to no walks and 33 strikeouts in 25 games in June and July.

2017
R:  209/309/349, 129 AB, 8 2B, 5 3B, 17 BB, 31 K, 2-4 SB
R+:  250/250/500, 4 AB, 1 2B, 2 K

Granberry went back to the GCL, where he again played mostly at first.  He also caught nine games and played a little at third.  His hitting fell off a little, apart from much better walk and K rates.  Granberry caught one game at Bristol at the end of the season.

2018
R+:  305/415/490, 151 AB, 11 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 28 BB, 35 K, 5-8 SB

Granberry spent the season at Bristol, appearing mostly as DH.  He started 14 games at first and one behind the plate.  He may have been utilized as a DH so much because of Mason Martin.  He hit very well, with good power and a lot of walks.

The Pirates seem to regard Granberry mainly as a first baseman now, which obviously impacts his value.  He’s eligible for the Rule 5 draft.  The Pirates could send him to Morgantown or Greensboro next year.

CONTRACT INFORMATION
2019: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2014
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2020
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2018
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
October 16, 2013: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.