The list of non-roster invitees to the Pittsburgh Pirates\u2019 2024 spring training includes 13 prospects. Let\u2019s take a look at the more intriguing members of that group.<\/p>\n
How else to describe future number-one starter Paul Skenes<\/a>, 21, the first overall pick in last year\u2019s June Amateur Draft? Pitching for the 2023 College World Series winner Louisiana State University, his season could be described as \u201csick\u201d in the parlance of the modern ballplayer. In 19 games covering 122-2\/3 innings, Skenes was 13-2 with a 1.69 ERA, 0.750 WHIP, 209 strikeouts, and 20 walks. These numbers translated to 15.3 strikeouts per nine innings and a 10.45 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His fastball averaged 98 mph and hit as high as 102. His repertoire also includes a slider and power change-up.<\/p>\n After logging so many innings for LSU in 2023, the Pirates preferred to rest him. Therefore, he pitched only six-and-two-thirds innings in five minor league games at three different levels. In a small sample size, he had a 5.40 ERA due to one bad outing at Double-A Altoona. However, he also had 10 strikeouts in the minors. Overall, the Pirates liked what they saw from their top prospect, so it’s no surprise he’s a spring training invitee.<\/p>\n The big right-hander Skenes is the man Pirates fans want to see in the majors right away, meaning Opening Day. Observers who saw him pitch at LSU insist he\u2019s ready to get major league hitters out now. Unless general manager Ben Cherington swings some trades before the season starts, the Pirates are in dire need of starters. On the other hand, Cherington has proceeded with caution in deciding whether to promote guys from the minors. It will be interesting to see whether Skenes forces the Pirates\u2019 hand with a few strong spring training performances.<\/p>\n See where RHP Paul Skenes + 2B Termarr Johnson — No. 1 prospect at their respective positions — rank on our new Top 100 list.<\/p>\n Skenes: https:\/\/t.co\/zWXFpS3VbQ<\/a> \u2014 MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) February 1, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n
\nJohnson: https:\/\/t.co\/loKAOgI4H4<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/WFp2yBdgSS<\/a><\/p>\n