This week on Pirates Prospects, we’ve been previewing the rookie level teams in the system. Earlier this week, we broke down the 2022 Florida Complex League roster.
Today, we’re continuing our preview with a look at ten prospects to watch on this team. Rather than a top ten list — because that would be highly speculative for players so new to their pro careers — we thought it would be best to highlight ten names of note, and why you should be following them this year. As for the top prospects, we have updates on them from this week’s coverage. Check out the top ten in the FCL below.
Ten Players to Watch on the 2022 FCL Pirates
Omar Alfonzo, C – Alfonzo has a solid approach at the plate and some power potential. His receiving and throwing probably need to improve a bit to stay behind the plate.
Braylon Bishop, OF – Bishop is the classic prep, multi-sport star. He has center-field speed, as well as the strength to hit for some power. The hope is always that players in this situation will strengthen their skills by focusing exclusively on baseball.
Braylon Bishop Features One of the Sweetest Swings in the System
Bubba Chandler, RHP/DH – Not only a multi-sport prep star, but a two-way baseball player whom the Pirates intend to develop on both sides. Chandler was considered one of the best athletes in the draft, with a high upside particularly as a pitcher.
Bubba Chandler: “At the end of the day this is an elite competitor”
Hung-Leng Chang, RHP – Signed for a sizeable bonus out of Taiwan, Chang throws five pitches and has reached 94 mph. At 6’3”, he probably has some projection left. He has yet to debut.
Jose Garces, RHP – Possibly the top pitcher in the Pirates’ 2020-21 international class, Garces has a good upside due to a live arm, good athleticism and a lot of remaining projection. He’s also very raw, so he’ll be a development challenge.
Owen Kellington, RHP – The second-highest-drafted player in Vermont history, Kellington already has good velocity and a potentially strong curve. In rural Vermont he didn’t exactly face high-end competition, so he probably faces a little bit steeper of a curve.
Two-Pitch Combination Gives Owen Kellington Edge Over Competition
Shalin Polanco, OF – The Pirates’ top 2020-21 signing, Polanco is a line-drive hitter with the strength to add power. He had a very rough first two months in the DSL, but hit well the last month. He has the speed to stay in center, although there’s a lot of competition at the position.
Shalin Polanco Earned His Spot in the Florida Complex League
Enmanuel Terrero, OF – Terrero is a line-drive hitter who so far has shown good plate discipline. It’s open to question how much power he’ll have. He probably could stay in center, but he’s really facing a lot of competition there.
Jeral Toledo, SS – Toledo is a strong defensive infielder with good contact skills and patience. He’ll need to get stronger in order to drive the ball more.
Lonnie White, Jr., OF – With possibly the highest upside of any of the Pirates’ hitting prospects other than Oneil Cruz, White is another multi-sport prep star. White has great speed and should produce plus power. Probably the biggest issue will be whether he makes contact consistently.
The Pirates Are Being Smart and Taking it Slow With Lonnie White Jr.
Honorable Mention: Jesus Castillo, SS; Roelmy Garcia, RHP; Javier Rivas, SS; Esmerlyn Valdez, OF.
THIS WEEKEND ON PIRATES PROSPECTS
The Pirates Are Modeling a College Baseball Development Track in the Lowest Levels
Ten Players to Watch on the 2022 FCL Pirates
Ten Players to Watch on the 2022 DSL Pirates
Shalin Polanco Earned His Spot in the Florida Complex League
The Pirates Are Converting Daniel Rivero From Outfield to Pitcher
