Scouting the Pirates system 2024: Best outfield defense
Scouting the Pirates system 2024: Best outfield defense
Looking at the best outfield defenders in the Pirates' organization
The ‘Best Tools’ series is a look throughout the Pittsburgh Pirates organization at who has the best tools in the system.
Today, we wrap up the first half of our ‘Scouting the Pirates system’ series with a look at outfield defense.
There’s a lot that goes into what makes a good defensive outfielder. Speed helps, so does a good arm. There is also instincts that play a big part. Some stadiums have a lot of ground to cover, so a good jump helps.
Here’s a look at some of the top defensive outfielders in the Pirates’ organization:
Lonnie White Jr.
With all of the tools to play a bonafide center field, Lonnie White Jr. is one of the first names to come to mind when it comes to playing defense in the outfield.
He has the speed that has graded out as high as double-plus at times, and an arm that allowed him to pick up six outfield assists in 2024, 12 overall in his minor league career.
White has also made several diving catches, making him one of the more exciting players to watch in the system.
White Jr. is WTMs choice as the top defensive outfielder
Matt Gorski
Long known as one of the better defenders in the system, Matt Gorski picked up nine outfield assists in 2024. He has 33 during his minor league career.
Built like a truck, Gorski can run like the wind and has one of the better arms in the outfield. He’s spent some time at first base, but that isn’t due to any shortcomings when it comes to his defense in the outfield.
Shalin Polanco
With seven outfield assist in 2024, Shalin Polanco again proved to be one of the better defensive outfielders in the system.
He has the range to play center field, but the arm to also play a corner if need be. Polanco has shown the ability to get to the baseball like few other Pirates outfielders.
NolaJeffy: Billy Cook
Even though his time in the majors was very limited, while also leaving him prospect-eligible, Billy Cook showed that he was a cut above the rest defensively in the outfield. In just 85.0 innings in a big-league outfield, he amassed 6 DRS and 2 OAA across all three outfield spots. Matt Gorski or Tres Gonzalez – who didn’t record a single error in 695.2 innings in 2024, and has only two in 1,812 career innings in OF – would also be among the best outfield defenders, but the nod goes to Cook.
One to watch: Sammy Siani
A name that gets lost in the fray at times, Sammy Siani is a much better defender than he gets credit for at times. He picked up two outfield assist in the same game out in the Arizona Fall League, and has 36 overall in his minor league career.
He has the speed to play center, although he has played in left more.
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Siani had another good day in the AFL. Got on base with 2 walks and a hit by pitch, then hit a granny in the 8th. 1 for 2 with 2 runs scored and 4 rbi's.
Pirates claimed Tristan Gray off waivers from Oak. He's the prospect they traded, along with Daniel Hudson, for Corey Dickerson about 75 years ago.