The Pirates turned their consideration to the farm system this week, recognizing the highest performing prospects for Minor League awards.
Most of those gamers have been coated this 12 months or may have extra protection within the close to future, however first, let’s run down the award winners.
COMPLETE PIRATES PROSPECT COVERAGE
Employees of the Yr: Greensboro GrasshoppersThe Excessive-A affiliate completed with 88 wins (fourth most within the Minors) en path to a playoff spot. Their 165 house runs have been the second most within the South Atlantic League and their 3.55 workers ERA was fourth. Additionally they had two mixed excellent video games this 12 months.
“They love the sport,” Greensboro supervisor Blake Butler mentioned when requested what stood out about this group. “They love to point out up. They wish to play on the most important stage. They wish to win, even within the Minor Leagues. All positives.”
Rookie-Degree Participant and Pitcher of the Yr: OF/1B Edward Florentino and RHP Yonleg GaetanoGaetano, a 20-year-old righty out of Venezuela, was one of many prime performers within the Dominican Summer time League, putting out 39 with a 0.93 ERA over 29 innings pitched. Florentino made the leap from the Complicated League to Single-A Bradenton, the place he gained Participant of the Month honors his first month there in July. He additionally cracked MLB Pipeline’s Prime 100 listing, at the moment sitting at No. 81.
“For me, that was so spectacular as a result of I didn’t count on that,” Florentino mentioned. “So I at all times attempt to be one of the best of the listing.”
Omar Moreno Baserunner of the Yr: INF Duce GoursonGourson slashed .275/.370/.439 over 392 plate appearances this 12 months, however the 2024 ninth-round decide did his greatest work on the basepaths. Not solely did he swipe 31 luggage between Excessive-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona, he was caught stealing solely thrice.
“I needed to thank the Pirates for the chance of being within the Fall League,” Valdez mentioned, by way of interpreter Juan Guerra, “so I wish to signify the Pirates and signify myself and wish individuals to recollect my identify.”
Kent Tekulve Reliever of the Yr: RHP Brandan BidoisOn the pitching aspect, you may make a case that Bidois was this 12 months’s quickest riser. He began with Bradenton and completed with Triple-A Indianapolis, ending with a 0.74 ERA and 69 strikeouts over 61 innings pitched. Lastly wholesome and now brandishing a changeup, the 24-year-old righty completed the 12 months on an unbelievable streak the place he didn’t permit a run within the last two months of the season, totaling 21 1/3 innings.
Baseball gamers generally is a superstitious bunch, and there generally is a stigma connected whenever you’re within the midst of a stretch like that.
“It’s cool to speak about it after the season,” Bidois joked.
Invoice Mazeroski Defender of the Yr: SS/OF Konnor GriffinWhen the Pirates took Griffin ninth general in 2024, there have been questions whether or not he may very well be a professional shortstop or if he would want to maneuver to heart area. He confirmed he might keep on the filth this season, making solely seven errors in 89 video games performed at shortstop.
“I believe I performed like 90% of the video games at quick, so I acquired plenty of expertise this 12 months,” Griffin mentioned. “That was the most important factor: I wanted expertise.”
Bob Buddy Pitcher Of The Yr: RHP Bubba ChandlerNo shock right here. Chandler is the second-highest-ranked pitcher on MLB Pipeline’s Prime 100 (No. 14 general) and needs to be a front-runner for Rookie of the Yr subsequent 12 months. Earlier than he went 4-1 with a 4.02 ERA in his seven Main League outings, he struck out 121 batters over 100 innings with Indianapolis.
Honus Wagner Participant of the Yr: SS/OF Konnor GriffinAgain, no shock right here. Griffin is the highest prospect within the recreation and rose from Bradenton to Altoona. Might extra be in retailer? He thinks so, saying, “Till I’m a Corridor of Famer, I’m gonna proceed to work each single day, put the blinders on and deal with what’s in entrance of me.
“I’m not anyplace near being what I believe I could be,” Griffin mentioned later. “It’s simply a part of the journey. I’m going to proceed to develop on daily basis and simply be current.”
