Pirates notebook: Three players standing out in camp
Entering the 2024 campaign, the Pittsburgh Pirates are relying on their young stars to take this team to the next level. Last year, top prospects such as Henry Davis, Quinn Priester, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Liover Peguero got an extended look in the majors. Each player had varied success. That has made this spring training more crucial than ever before.
With the roster far from set, the Pirates have many roster battles for fans to watch. However, a few players are off to hot starts and are providing optimism for the 2024 campaign.
Let’s take a look at which players have been hard to ignore.
Henry Davis: After struggling in his first major league stint, Henry Davis had a lot to prove this spring. So far, he has been a man on a mission, seemingly annihilating every pitch thrown his way.
Through six games, the former first-overall pick has hit three home runs and driven in eight runs. In that span, he has posted a .400 batting average while sparking the Pirates offense. Due to his play, it is hard to envision a Pirates Opening Day roster without Davis on it.
Jared Triolo
After entering spring training with plenty to prove, Triolo has done nothing but get on base. The talented 26-year-old has posted a .353 batting average through 17 at-bats. Triolo has also shown some power in that span with two extra-base hits.
While Triolo has been a force at the plate, he has also been impressive defensively. He has added a few diving plays in the infield to his resume while playing all around the diamond. He had a solid MLB debut last year and has only built on his success.
Paul Skenes
In his first MLB spring training, Skenes has lived up to the hype. Through three innings of the work, the former LSU star has posted a 3.00 ERA while striking out three batters. He has also held opponents to a .250 batting average.
While Skenes will start the season in the minors, he has given Pirates fans a preview of what to expect in the future. He will be one of the most watched players in the minors before he becomes a fixture in the Pirates rotation.
Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieGatlin17
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr
