Pittsburgh Review

The Arizona Fall League has concluded, marking the end of the season for many promising baseball prospects. As teams finalize their 40-man rosters, adding both well-known and sleeper prospects, questions about player futures arise.

One topic of interest is Thayron Liranzo's potential as a catcher or first baseman. Despite defensive struggles post-trade deadline, Liranzo impressed in the AFL with a .375/.492/.667 slash line and MVP honors at the Fall Stars Game. Concerns remain about his catching abilities, but scouts praise his arm strength. Jake Miller, a Tigers Minor League pitcher, expressed confidence in Liranzo's skills behind the plate.

Bubba Chandler's potential role in the Pittsburgh Pirates' 2025 rotation is another point of discussion. Ranked No. 15 on the Top 100 list, Chandler had a successful 2024 season with a 3.08 ERA and strong performances in Triple-A. His readiness for Major League play will depend on his performance in Spring Training.

Questions also surround Tre' Morgan's ability to hit left-handed pitchers. Despite hitting just .188 against lefties during the regular season, Morgan showed promise with a strong approach in the AFL. His future success may hinge on improving against left-handers.

Lastly, Justin Crawford's batting capabilities have sparked debate about his Rookie of the Year potential. While he posted impressive stats at Double-A, concerns about his high ground ball rate persist. Evaluators believe he needs more time to develop before being considered for such accolades.