Mailbag: Hitting prospects on the rise, thoughts on Jackson Wolf, Michael A. Taylor number change

The weekly mailbag returns to discuss hitting prospects, Jackson Wolf gettings DFA (and traded), and Michael A. Taylor

Photo Credit: WTM

Chris (@cquinn0919 on Twitter): What top 3 hitting prospects are going to rise in the system not named Termarr or Mitch Jebb?

If we are leaving out those two players than I would have to go Lonnie White Jr., Tres Gonzalez, and Garret Forrester.

White Jr. has the potential to put up some eye popping numbers in Greensboro this year, which will get him some attention on the national media side of things, but it will be a matter of how much he’s cut back on the swing and miss that will determine how high he will rise.

It looks like Gonzalez is going to start the year in Altoona, which will be the big test for the former Georgia Tech standout. He has put together some of the best contact rates in the system since joining it, and drove the ball fairly hard in the games I saw him in person.

He’s never going to hit for a lot of power, but if can utilize the gaps, along with his speed, Gonzalez is an intriguing prospect that could end up a bench player in the majors.

Forrester might be the most ‘one to watch’ in the system right now. Drafted as a third baseman, he was expected to slide over to first long-term. Now, it looks like he’s going to get playing time behind the plate this year.

With a strong hit tool, but questionable power, this seems like a move that could get the maximum value out of his bat. MLB Pipeline had him as a breakout guy among first baseman, so he definitely has the tools to really rise up the system ranks.

Of course, I’ve always been a big Omar Alfonzo guy, as he posted solid marks when it came to chase rate, in zone contact, and exit velocity numbers for a teenager playing in Bradenton. He jumped up into the Top 30 on MLB Pipeline, and could be someone who jumps a couple more spots.

Michael Miller: Thoughts on Jackson Wolf DFA, especially in light of just dealing another rotation depth option in Brubaker?

This question was sent in before the trade of Jackson Wolf, who was dealt to the San Diego Padres for Kervin Pichardo.

I think at some point we were looking at a potential Wolf DFA, whether early in the season or later on when some of the other pitching depth comes up.

The fact that Wolf really pitched just once in Spring, and then was optioned back to Altoona didn’t make it feel like the Pirates weren’t seeing much else outside of depth at that point.

San Diego was in a weird position last year when they needed a starter, so they had to add Wolf to the 40-man, which created all of this.

He seemed to be at worst, back of the rotation starter, and that’s if everyone kind of clicked. Wolf never really pitched well in Altoona, and was probably set to start there again this season.

It will be curious, as reading some of the Baseball America articles about the reduced amount of players allowed in each organization, some teams are legitimately concerned about being able to cover innings this year if injuries really get out of hand.

Then here are the Pirates who trade Wolf for a hitter, and then can potentially lose two for a tryout on Joey Bart.

It will be interesting to watch. I’m not sure Wolf had a place in this organization, but also arms are even more precious than they were before.

Michael Miller: Any insights in Michael A. Taylor’s uniform switch to 18? Was this his idea or the Pirates’ clubhouse manager in a nod to Omar Moreno and Andy Van Slyke?

I don’t think there is anything behind the jersey assignment to that extent, he did wear 18 during his rookie year with the Nationals, so he’s worn it before.

They probably also just kind of tossed him a random jersey number during Spring, as obviously they were a bit rushed in trying to get him ready for the season after signing so late.

I’m leaning more towards a happy coincidence.