Pittsburgh Pirates top ten prospects for 2020
By David Hill
8. Will Craig
Minors (AAA): 556 plate appearances, .249/.326/.435, 23 homers, 23 doubles, 44 walks, 146 strikeouts
It is difficult to see where Will Craig fits into the Pittsburgh Pirates future.
The Pirates went outside their comfort level when they selected Craig with the 22nd selection of the 2016 MLB Draft, as they typically pursued high school hitters. However, Craig’s offensive capabilities were too intriguing to bypass, as he could hit for power and a high average, while showing excellent on base skills.
That changed over the years. Craig has instead focused on the power aspect of his game, to the detriment of his overall hitting performance. The power could play at the major league level, but his change in approach has led to more strikeouts and a less discerning eye at the plate. Craig does not run well at all, and defensively, is limited to first base.
While that is the profile of a potential major league asset, Craig just does not fit with the Pirates. Josh Bell took that step forward last season, and is entrenched as the present and future at the position. Craig could be trade bait, but will need to show more of his all around game offensively to really bring a significant return back to Pittsburgh.
Will Craig is a man without much of a future with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Chances are, he will need to be shipped elsewhere to have a realistic look at the majors.