Josh Bell and Tyler Glasnow were named the Pittsburgh Pirates prospects of the year for 2016. Both players made their major league debuts this season and each made an impact upon arrival to the big league club.
The Pittsburgh Pirates season has come to an end and it's time to think about the future and the 2017 season. A lot of young Pirates prospects made their major league debut and many had a big impact on the big league club.
Two of those players were recognized for their achievements both at the major league level and at the minor league level. Josh Bell and Tyler Glasnow were named the Pittsburgh Pirates prospects of the year in 2016.
Prior to the start of the season Bell was the Pirates number three top prospect and Glasnow was the top rated Pirates prospect. Both started this season at the Triple A level with only one month of Triple A experience, and both came up and produced with the big league club.
Both Bell and Glasnow made their MLB debuts in early July and made an immediate impact. Bell came up and made his debut in July 8th against the Chicago Cubs and made an impact in his second big league game.
He came up in a pinch hit role with the bases loaded and blasted his first major league home run, a grand slam over the right field wall, to help guide the Pirates to a 12-4 victory.
Bell would finish the 2016 season with a .273 average, three home runs, and 19 RBI. Gowever, in his triple a season he went .295 with 16 home runs and 78 RBI.
Bell was originally drafted as an outfielder in the first round of the 2011 First Year Player Draft out of Jesuit College Prepratory School in Dallas, Texas. He has been criticized for his lack of power at a corner infield position.
Prior to the 2016 season he had never hit more than 14 home runs in a season and that was his first year in professional baseball. Due to a lack of speed, he made the transition to the infield and it went pretty well.
Bell spilt time between the two positions at the major league level giving John Jaso and Gregory Polanco nights off here and there. Jaso is under contract for the 2017 season, so Bell will be able to ease into his role as the starting first baseman by the 2018 season.
Bell was a two time futures game participant and a three time minor league all-star. This is the first time he has been named the prospect of the year for the Pirates and he has a bright future ahead of him.
Glasnow did not have as easy a transition to the majors as Bell did, but he still provided an impact both in the starting rotation and the bullpen. His first start came on July 75th against the St. Louis Cardinals. He got a little roughed up going 5.1 innings giving up three hits and four runs while striking out five and walking two.
Glasnow appeared in seven games and made four total starts ending the season with a record of 0-2 and a 4.24 ERA while striking out 24 and walking 13. Glasgow was Pittsburgh's number one rated prospect prior to the season and performed well at the Triple A level.
Like Bell, Glasnow had only one month of experience at the Triple A level. He finished the season with a record of 8-3 and a 1.87 ERA While striking out 133 and walking 62 in 110.2 innings of work.
Glasnow has had trouble with his command throughout his minor league career. He had to learn how to throw his changeup and that resulted in some of his walks. However, the struggles continued at the major league level where he walked 13 in 23.1 innings. This will be the first off-season as a major leaguer and he will have plenty of chances to work with pitching coach Ray Seagate to try to help his control.
Glasnow is no stranger to awards such as this. He was named the 2014 Milb.com Staff Choice for Best Starting Pitcher. He was a five time all-star in the minor leagues and is a top candidate for a starting rotation spot in 2017.
Both Bell and Glasnow will make an impact on the 2017 Pirates staff. The Pirates will be looking to get back in the playoffs after a year off. February will be here before we know it and it will be time once again to raise the jolly Roger.
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