Pittsburgh Pirates top ten prospects for 2020
By David Hill
9. Jared Oliva
Minors (AA): 507 plate appearances, .277/.352/.398, six homers, 24 doubles, 36 steals, 42 walks, 104 strikeouts
Jared Oliva gives the Pittsburgh Pirates organization an element they need – speed.
Undrafted out of high school, or as a redshirt sophomore, he was viewed upon as a raw power/speed prospect in the 2017 MLB Draft. The Pirates selected him in the seventh round that year, stopping his slide down the draft as they felt they had added an exciting player for the future.
While the power has not developed as hoped, the speed has been as advertised. That is not to say that Oliva is a slap hitter – he does have a solid gap to gap approach with respectable bat speed. He has refined his approach at the plate as well, improving his contact rates and showing a batter batting eye, although there is still work to be done there. Oliva’s speed is his best asset, which he utilizes well on the bases and in the outfield. That speed, combined with his plus athleticism, should ensure that he remains in center as he progresses.
The biggest key for Oliva will be to continue to refine his approach. He has improved his feel for contact, and has made several adjustments at the plate already to continue to unlock his potential. However, he will need to continue to make adjustments in order to become anything more than a fourth outfielder.
Jared Oliva could end up being a steal for the Pittsburgh Pirates. It will depend on how he continues to adjust as he progresses through the system.