As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare for the upcoming 2025 season, attention turns to their farm system and its promising prospects. The organization has seen several players emerge as potential key contributors.
Thomas Harrington, a right-handed pitcher and the Pirates' No. 5 prospect, had a standout year. Originally drafted in 2022, Harrington recorded a 2.61 ERA with 115 strikeouts over 117 1/3 innings across multiple levels. His performance has earned him a spot among MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects.
Billy Cook, an outfielder and infielder acquired from the Orioles at the Trade Deadline, made an impact during his September call-up. He demonstrated defensive prowess with six runs saved and hit three home runs. Despite a high strikeout rate of 38.8%, Cook's versatility makes him one to watch.
Catcher Omar Alfonzo also showed promise by hitting 13 home runs and drawing walks in the Florida Complex League. With solid fielding and throwing skills rated at a 50 grade by MLB Pipeline, Alfonzo could be poised for further development in Greensboro next season.
Looking ahead to breakout players for 2025, Jack Brannigan stands out after hitting 18 home runs despite a shoulder injury that limited his playtime this past season. Meanwhile, Carlson Reed transitioned from closer to starter with success, achieving a combined ERA of 2.43 across different teams.
A significant question remains: Can the Pirates' hitting prospects catch up to their pitching counterparts? With numerous pitchers ranked among the top prospects but fewer hitters reaching higher levels like Double-A Altoona or above, there is concern about balance within the system.
General Manager Ben Cherington has suggested leveraging pitching depth for offensive talent through trades while emphasizing internal development of young bats. As it stands, Pittsburgh's farm system leans heavily on pitching talent needing more breakthrough performances from its hitters.
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