Scouting the Pirates system 2024: Best infield defense
Who is the best infield defender in the Pirates system?
The ‘Best Tools’ series is a look throughout the Pittsburgh Pirates organization at who has the best tools in the system.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are no strangers to solid infield defense, with Ke’Bryan Hayes winning the Gold Glove last year at third base and Jared Triolo up for the utility position Gold Glove this season.
It doesn’t end there, as they have a few more names in the minors that have played defense well enough to get recognized. Here’s a look at some of the best infield defenders in the system:
Javier Rivas
Even if the hitting never comes around, Javier Rivas will have a job in baseball as a depth player solely because of his glove.
He’s easily one of the two best infield defenders in the system thanks a cannon of an arm and excellent footwork, especially for a taller shortstop.
Everything about him screams a major league defender at a premium position, and a very good one at that.
Rivas was WTMs pick for best infield defender.
Yordany De Los Santos
Another player you want to hold out on as long as possible for their offense, because if that’s able to come, mixing that with his defense would make a bonafide major leaguer.
Everything De Los Santos does defensively is done smoothly. Whether it’s the routine ones, or making a Deter Jeter jump throw from the hole like I saw him do in the Complex this year, it’s just done well.
Jack Brannigan
Nola—It's hard to find an infielder that is as fluid as Jack Brannigan on the left side of the diamond. Anthony Murphy and I had discussed this previously, and I’d have to say the best three infielders would have to be Tsung-Che Cheng, Javier Rivas, and Brannigan. As a whole package, I’d say it comes down to Rivas and Brannigan because of their arms, but I’m going to give the slight edge to Brannigan.
Murphy—Brannigan would be my pick as well for best infielder as well, even with how much I talked up the other two above. No matter where he’s played defensively, he’s done it well.
He has a cannon for an arm, probably the strongest in the system from an infield defender perspective. That shouldn’t be too surprising considering he was pumping upper 90s fastball while at Notre Dame. He has the range and the footwork was well enough to allow him to make the transition from third to short in pro ball.
One to Watch: Wyatt Sanford
He will be a player that I’m watching closely this upcoming season. He was one of the highest rated prep shortstops, at least defensively, in this past draft. His dad played in the majors, and he is already being noted for having the tools needed to play solid defense at shortstop.
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Brannigan should be a pitcher. I wanted them to throw him on the mound when they drafted him.
He was a Spencer Schwellenbach clone in college and we all know how that has gone. Although Schwellenbach has taken a lot of steps as far his arsenal goes and doesn't just have electric stuff anymore.
I’m hoping the Pirates draft Gavin Guidry in the upcoming draft. Though he’s a no doubt pitcher imo.
In case anyone forgot what Brannigan looked like on the bump..filth!!
https://x.com/pgcollegeball/status/1510715935694508038?s=46
For my money, YDLS, 19, will be the best SS/2B Candidate, Brannigan, 23, will be the best 3B/SS Candidate, and Rivas at 6'6" 175 has the size and fluidity to be whatever he wants to be - as long as he does not have to bat. Not sure how long the Pirates can keep Rivas, 22, but if he goes to another team who teaches him how to make contact at the plate, he could be a superstar at a prime position - he fielded .962 at SS, and .961 at 3B in A ball this year.
Watched him at Pirate City a few years ago and he was a BP "monster" hitting balls out to the golf course. But cannot seem to translate that BP smooth and effortless power into contact at game speed. Last year at A ball he had 16 BB/118 K, hitting for a .223 BA. YDLS and Brannigan are both very good hitters.