Pirates prospect Jase Bowen has been an on-base machine in the AFL
Over the last year, Jase Bowen has become a name that Pirates fans are more familiar with. The former 11th-round pick saw his stock rise during the 2023 campaign. He set career highs in home runs with 23 and RBI with 95 while splitting between High-A and Double-A. In the Arizona Fall League, Bowen has continued to work on his game and picked up right where he left off in the regular season.
Through 11 games for the Salt River Rafters, Bowen has posted a .372 batting average and driven in 10 runs. While the Ohio native has been a hits machine, he has also drawn four walks and added two triples to his resume. Although his power has come as no surprise, his ability to get on base at a high rate has been a welcoming sign. However, that is not the only area of Bowen’s game that is standing out.
He has also impressed in the field. Bowen has split time between the outfield and first base and has not committed an error. In 88 innings in the field, Bowen has recorded 37 putouts and turned two double plays. Most of his playing time has come at first base.
As the offseason continues, Bowen will look to prove that the 2023 campaign was no fluke. He ended the regular season ranked as the Pirates 27th-best prospect by MLB.com. That could change by opening day if he continues to thrive in the AFL.
While the start of the 2024 campaign is still months away, Bowen is in an interesting position. The Pirates don’t have much depth prospect-wise at first base in the minors.
Malcolm Nunez battled injuries last year, and Mason Martin posted a .215 batting average in 97 games. If Bowen can build on his success, he could pass them on the depth chart.
Regardless of what the future holds, the fall season has shown there is plenty for Pirate fans to be excited about when it comes to Jase Bowen, who is only two calls from the majors.
Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieGatlin17
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
