Position: OF
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 225 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Born: 02/18/1999
Drafted: 2nd round, 48th overall, 2017 (Rockies)
How Acquired: Waiver Claim (from Rockies)
Bonus: $1,425,400
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Eligible
Minor League Free Agency: 2023
Options Left: 2
Overview
The Rockies drafted Vilade as a prep shortstop with good raw power. As a pro, he’s generally shown good plate discipline, but the power hasn’t arrived. As Baseball America characterizes it, he has a line-drive swing that’s more conducive to doubles power. Colorado initially tried to keep Vilade at short, but his arm was below average and his reactions weren’t good, so he proved to be a liability there and elsewhere in the infield. At this point he’s primarily a corner outfielder and he’s below average there. The Pirates acquired him off waivers.
2017-20
Vilade played short in his first two years, 2017 in advanced rookie ball and 2018 in low A. He hit very well the first year, and hit pretty well only without much power the second. In 2019, in high A, he had his best year so far, putting up an .856 OPS with continuing good plate discipline. The Rockies played him at third about a third of the time and he had serious error problems both there and at short. He didn’t play during the pandemic year, but the Rockies did add him to the 40-man roster afterward.
2021-23
Colorado jumped Vilade up to AAA in 2021 and he played mostly in the outfield corners. He held his own as a 22-year-old, but his .749 OPS has to be viewed in the context of the high-offense Pacific Coast League. It was 40 points below the average on his team, Albuquerque, and 60 points below average for the league. In 2022, Vilade took a significant step backward, hitting far below the league average. He walked almost as much as he struck out, but his power mostly disappeared. The Rockies removed him from the 40-man roster after the season and the Pirates claimed him.
In 2023, Vilade showed little in spring training and was designated for assignment to create roster space. He cleared waivers and spent the entire season with Indianapolis. He played first, third and all three outfield positions, and batted 271/370/382. He continued to draw walks, but obviously didn’t hit for much power, and his strikeout rate increased sharply, as he fanned 127 times in 440 ABs.
Vilade will be eligible for minor league free agency after the season.
Stats
Transactions
June 12, 2017: Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 2nd round, 48th overall pick; signed on June 21.
September 18, 2021: Contract purchased by the Colorado Rockies.
November 9, 2022: Claimed off waivers from the Colorado Rockies by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
April 4, 2023: Assigned to AAA by the Pittsburgh Pirates.