Jean Eusebio

JEAN EUSEBIO, CENTER FIELDER
Born: August 22, 2000
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 170
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Signed: Int’l Free Agent, 2017, Pittsburgh Pirates
How Acquired: International Free Agent
Country: Dominican Republic
Agent: N/A

WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE

Eusebio was the Pirates’ biggest target in the 2016-17 international signing period.  In fact, he received the largest bonus they’ve paid out since they gave $700,000 each to Michael De La Cruz and Julio De La Cruz in 2012.  Eusebio is a left-handed line drive hitter who, so far at least, appears able to stay in center.

2017
DSL:  191/330/253, 178 AB, 7 2B, 2 3B, 35 BB, 42 K, 13-15 SB

Eusebio played center in the DSL and didn’t do much at the plate, except for a high walk rate.  His numbers aren’t too dissimilar to the ones Lolo Sanchez posted in his first year and Sanchez had a strong 2017 season in the GCL.  Sanchez, though, had a very low K rate, while Eusebio’s was very high.  Eusebio did at least show good base stealing skills.

2018
R:  236/281/349, 106 AB, 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 6 BB, 27 K, 4-8 SB

Eusebio played only semi-regularly in the GCL and had a disappointing season.  He didn’t hit much better than the previous year, his walk rate plummeted and he continued to strike out a lot.  For some reason, he played more in left than in center, as the primary center fielder was college NDFA and non-prospect Justin Harrer.  Eusebio didn’t run much on the bases.

2019
R+:  225/344/333, 102 AB, 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 18 BB, 25 K, 4-9 SB

Eusebio played only half the time at Bristol.  He played mostly left, but made seven starts in center.  The limited time in center may or may not have had mostly to do with Daniel Rivero, but Esuebio didn’t appear as fast as he did previously and isn’t making any progress in stealing bases.  He hit about the same as the previous year, except for an increased walk rate.  That in itself may not have been good, because he was taking too many hittable pitches.  Eusebio saw little left-handed pitching, just 28 plate appearances, and went 2-for-23 against them.  He finished the season well, with an .883 OPS in a dozen August games.

Eusebio hasn’t made much progress, unless his late-season showing at Bristol represented a sudden step forward.  He still won’t turn 20 until nearly the end of the 2020 season, but the Pirates are loaded with outfielders at the lower levels.  It may not be easy for Eusebio to find a lot of playing time at West Virginia or Greensboro.

CONTRACT INFORMATION
2020: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: $550,000
MiLB Debut: 2017
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2023
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2021
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
March 14, 2017: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.