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Pittsburgh Pirates Top 10 Prospects for 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Mar 17, 2016; Bradenton, FL, USA; A view of the Pittsburgh Pirates logo during the game between the Pirates and the New York Yankees at McKechnie Field. The Yankees defeat the Pirates 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Bradenton, FL, USA; A view of the Pittsburgh Pirates logo during the game between the Pirates and the New York Yankees at McKechnie Field. The Yankees defeat the Pirates 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Alen Hanson, 2B

Birthdate: 10/22/92 (24 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AAA, MLB
Stats in 2016: .266/.318/.389, 8 HR, 36 SB

While Hanson’s ceiling may not be what it was once considered to be when he first broke through in the early 2010s, he’s continued to show he has a high floor as a utility player around the infield at the pro level, even if he isn’t likely to be the elite middle infielder many were hoping for a few years ago.

Hanson has plus speed that he uses to key his hitting, putting plenty of balls on the ground, and when he keeps his focus on line drives, he does very well, but he does have enough strength that he can fall in love with pulling the ball a bit, especially from his natural right side, and that hurts his hitting when he gets into that path.

Hanson has plus speed that he uses to key his hitting, putting plenty of balls on the ground

Hanson can run in the field, but his natural instincts in the field are less than excellent. He also has a below-average arm, so playing full-time at short isn’t in his future, but he’s shown solid enough glove work to still be able to play a little as needed at the position.

He has shown the ability to handle multiple positions over multiple days of the week without hurting his focus, which is a huge plus for his major league path.

One scout really keyed this to me when he encouraged me to watch Hansen and then watch early Josh Harrison and try to find the big difference. It’s awfully hard to see a lot of difference in the two in their raw skill sets as you watch.

Hanson will most likely work off the bench in Pittsburgh to open the year, though Kang’s legal troubles this offseason may give him a chance to open the season starting much like Harrison has in the past.

Next: #9

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