North Shore Nine

On March 5, 2024, MLB.com posted the Pirates’ Top 30 Prospects for the spring of 2024. This was accompanied by a write-up by Jonathan Mayo that is recommended reading.

No surprise to Pirate fans, Paul Skenes is at the top of the list, and he also sits #3 overall on the MLB.com list. He was told on the same day the list came out that he would be starting the year in the minors. This does not come as a surprise; while he has been dominant in the spring, there are a few things for him to work on before he gets the call.

The same can be said for the #2 Termarr Johnson. Johnson has had a tremendous spring, but considering his age and the fact he hasn’t even gotten to Altoona yet, it’s safe to say he will be in the minors this year.

The third prospect is Jared Jones, who many are arguing could see the start of the year in Pittsburgh. He has pitched well enough so far this spring to make that case, though the question would then become who is the odd man out. While that is not a question most care about, it is one that needs consideration. Jones will also start the year in AAA, though he could easily be the first call-up from Indianapolis.

#4 and #5 are Anthony Solometo and Bubba Chandler, both of whom have already been reassigned to the minor league camp. Neither have pitched above AA Altoona and are not likely to see big league action until next season.

The rest of the Top 10 in order:
Tom Harrington
Braxton Ashcraft
Mitch Jebb
Tsung-Che Cheng
Jack Brannigan

Cheng has looked really good in Spring Training this year, adding two home runs to the offensive firepower the Pirates have shown. Brannigan jumped 10 spots from the end of last season but has failed to impress in his limited ST games. But at 22, he has plenty of growing left to do before he potentially is seen in the show. Ashcraft has also been impressive in ST, he will be yet another starter for fans to keep their eyes on.

Biggest Surprise: Mike Burrows RHP (11): Burrows has been a highly-rated prospect in the Pirates system for a number of years; however, after spending last year on the IR and requiring Tommy John surgery, it is a surprise to see him on the list, and as high as he is. He did not pitch well in Indianapolis in 2022 and was very limited there in 2023 before his injury. The talent is hopefully still there after his rehab, but we will have to wait to see what he looks like later this season.

Biggest Disappointment: Malcom Nunez 1B/3B (NR) Nunez was the pick this year to be the Next Bucco Blast but he has fallen from the Top Prospect list after a subpar showing last season; however, he turns only 23 on March 9th of this year and has already had 254 AAA at-bats. He was also dealing with a shoulder injury last season. If he can get healthy and back to form, he could be a player that fights he was back onto this list.

Biggest Snub: Jun-Seok Shim RHP (18): The #2 pitcher for the 2023 international class slipped from 14 to 18 between the end of the season and spring training. Yes, he was limited to eight innings last year due to an injury. But there is a lot to like about Shim. He has a good fastball, the best curveball in the system (tied), as well as a slider and change. At 6’4″ and 215lb he has the build that many scouts love to see. He should easily be switched with Mike Burrows on this list.

Biggest Acquired Prospect to watch: Jhonny Severino SS/3B (26): Brought over from the Brewers in the Carlos Santana trade last year, Severino has also dealt with an injury last year after coming over to the Pirates, but he managed to climb four spots in the rankings. Scouts say he has growing to do as he is overaggressive at the plate and will need to transfer to the hot corner from shortstop where he initially played. At 19, he has plenty of time to put things together, so keep an eye on him this season.

Biggest New Signee to watch: Brayln Brazoban OF (30): Brazoban is the youngest player on the Top Prospect list at just 17 years old. He was the 38th-rated International Amateur this signing period and got a $2 million signing bonus. It is reported he makes hard contact and has a good plate presence, including a good eye for the strike zone. He will start his career in the Dominican Summer League this season. Hopefully, he can be one of the newly signed players who can help break the bad trend of Pirate signees on this front.