Weekly mailbag: Prospect pick 'em, Spring Training recommendations

Another edition of the weekly mailbag.

Photo Credit: WTM

Every Monday during the off-season (and Spring Training), we answer all your questions in our weekly mailbag article. To send in your questions, email me at bucsondeckqa@gmail.com or reply to this article in the comment section with ‘mailbag question’ at the top.

Sending an email works best, as some questions in the comments can get lost easily.

From Twitter: PNC Yark (@eYARKulation)- Better prospect Mitch Jebb or Garret Forrester long-term?

It seems a lot of people are torn on Forrester, as those who are high on him are really high on him, and those who aren’t really aren’t.

I think it makes sense that we have a wide differing opinion on him since the sample size is so small at the pro level (29 plate appearances). The approach seems strong, but he needs to hit moving forward to keep any value, as he’s likely limited to first base.

Mitch Jebb is another interesting player from the 2023 class. The hit tool is legit and could be the best in the system, and he has plus speed to go along with it.

Forrester probably has more upside, but Jebb has a relatively safe floor. If the power comes, and he can drive the ball at the pro level (and we don’t get soaked up in any success in Greensboro), I think Forrester could pass Jebb.

My safe bet is on Jebb, though, especially if they decide to give him a look in the outfield.

From Twitter: LeeFoo (@LeeFoo9) - Who will have a better career between Jared Jones, Anthony Solometo, or Bubba Chandler if all reach their potential?

I mentioned in our top 25 prospect list that I think Chandler has the second-highest upside in the system behind Paul Skenes, so if they all reach their potential, I’d say it would be him.

It’s actually interesting how things could play out, however.

Jones has a solid floor right now, as he seems set to make an impact either as a starter or out of the bullpen. As far as a general impact for the Pirates, I think right now, you can pencil him ahead of the other two.

After that, I feel like Solometo is the next most likely to become a starting pitcher at the major league level. I’m still unsure what his general upside is, but I always felt like he had a well-established floor.

So, even though Chandler might have the greatest upside of the trio, it almost feels like he’s the biggest question mark out of them as well. There’s a chance he could be a reliever still, and like Jones he’d be a very good one if it came to that, but obviously not the same value as if he stuck in the rotation.

From Twitter: DilfMagic (@DilfMagic) - Recommendations for a first-timer at Spring Training?

That is a great question, that I will need us as a group to answer below since I’ve never been to Bradenton for Spring Training, or in general.

I hope to fix that this year, but it won’t be for Spring Training.

So, if anyone has been there before and wants to answer this, have at it in the comment section below.