Bucs on Deck Top 25 Prospects: Who just missed out?
Some of the prospects that just missed our Top 25 list to start 2025
Graduations and trades happen throughout the season, so it is only a matter of time before our Top 25 list changes. When it does, these are some names you can expect to be next.
Jaden Woods
A left-handed pitcher out of Georgia, Jaden Woods had an interesting year in 2024. On the surface, a 3.75 ERA (3.85 xFIP) and a 27.8 K% (10.5 BB%) between Greensboro and Altoona is impressive.
But then, when you look again, he posted a 2.13 ERA with Greensboro and then a 4.93 after getting promoted to Altoona.
There’s no denying the stuff with Woods. He has a fastball that gets up to the mid-90s with good movement from the left side and then a plus slider to go with it.
He just missed this list based on the stuff alone, despite being a reliever. If the results follow, he could get another bump.
Sammy Siani
After spending parts of three seasons in Greensboro, Sammy Siani finally broke through and reached Double-A, showing solid contact skills to finish out the year before heading over to the Arizona Fall League and being one of the best hitters there.
He’s more of a floor-over-ceiling prospect at this point, as he comes with more of a speed/contact plus strong defense profile that could put him in line to be a bench outfielder.
It took him a couple of years to get through one level, but he should be one stop from the majors in Triple-A to begin 2025.
Esmerlyn Valdez
No player hit more home runs in the Florida State League than Esmerlyn Valdez, and at 20 years old, he emerged as one of the better power-hitting prospects in the Pirates’ system.
His raw power is legit. His exit velocity numbers were well above average for his level, and he’s already shown an ability to elevate the ball.
The profile will lean heavily toward power, as he could be limited to first base defensively. A cutback in strikeouts will also be necessary.
Valdez is the type of hitter who will feast at First National Park, so don’t buy into his base raw numbers but his overall improvement in his game.
Matt Ager
The Pirates’ sixth-round pick in 2024, Matt Ager, was getting some day-one hype heading into his junior season. However, he struggled and was eventually relegated to the bullpen as the UC Santa Barbara closer.
Ager has an impressive frame (6’6”) and a fastball that has reached 96 mph but averages in the lower 90s. There’s a chance with his frame that he could add some more velocity once he gets into pro ball.
He primarily throws a fastball and slider, the latter of which has flashed plus at times. Ager rounds out the arsenal with a curveball and change-up.
If they can get him back to his 2023 self, the Pirates may have gotten quite the steal with this pick.
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We didn’t forget Esmerlyn!
I would have included Rivas.