Infield prospects open eyes in camp
Youngsters bond while making their way as ballplayers
BRADENTON, Fla. — Liover Peguero was chatting with Ke’Bryan Hayes the other day when the sensational rookie delivered some impactful words to the player many believe will be the Pirates’ shortstop of the future.
“He was just like, ‘ Be patient. I’m gonna be right here waiting for you.’” Peguero said. “That makes me feel so happy.”
It was a neat anecdote Peguero relayed while speaking Thursday in a game against the Baltimore Orioles when before exiting he had two hits and two RBIs in his best offensive performance of the spring. But Hayes’ statement also wasn’t entirely accurate.
He missed a key part, as Peguero isn’t the only talented infielder for whom Hayes will be waiting. Nick Gonzales and JiHwan Bae also have opened eyes over the past month, especially Gonzales with how he’s quickly found traction following an 0-for6 start.
Easily the most outgoing Pirates prospect, a player who rarely stops chattering about something on the field, Peguero said that Gonzales and Bae “are literally like my brothers,” the three infielders bringing plenty of speed, defense and a wellrounded approach at the plate.
After getting a late start, Peguero — acquired in the January 2020 Starling Marte trade — has three hits in nine at-bats. Gonzales is 3 for 6 with a home run and a double since that early skid, which featured four strikeouts, with the 2020 first-rounder showing some incredible bat speed.
Bae does most of his damage with his legs. The versatile South Korea native has hit .250 (4 for 16) this spring while also logging four of the top 44 home-tofirst sprint times, according to Statcast. Bae’s incredible speed is one reason why he might one day make a better outfielder.
“I love those guys,” Peguero, 20, said. “They’ve been working really hard. I’ve been working really hard with them. I feel like this is something special in my life, being around those guys, making the team good and being good together.”
When camp breaks, the major leaguers fly to Chicago and the minor league guys stay behind, Gonzales, 21, said he anticipates Peguero living with him for minor league camp, whether that remains at Pirate City or some to-be-determined alternate site.
The two have drastically different personalities — Gonzales quiet and reserved, Peguero the chatterbox — but they seem to get along extremely well.
“I love watching him out there,” Gonzales said. “He does bring energy. Every practice, he’s the same way — even if it’s 8 a.m. or 2 p.m., he’s the same guy. That’s what’s huge for me. I love seeing that. It helps me a ton. It’s just been a blast.”
A big adjustment for Gonzales when it came to major league spring training involved velocity. Perhaps a terrific sign for the Pirates, it took him little time to acclimate, as evidenced by his homer against Atlanta’s A.J. Minter on Wednesday.
Gonzales wasn’t supposed to play but was told he might pinch-hit if the Braves brought in a lefty. After spotting Minter throwing in the Atlanta bullpen, Gonzales grabbed an iPad and did his homework.
“I was like, ‘OK, he’s 96-98 [mph], cutter, changeup. If he’s throwing that hard, he’s probably going to throw me a fastball first pitch with me coming off the bench,’ ” Gonzales explained, sounding like someone a decade older. “I was fortunate enough to square it up, and yeah, that was exciting.”
It didn’t look like it as Gonzales rounded the bases, trying his best to play it cool. That focus was lost once teammates mobbed him in the dugout.
Gonzales said a big focal point for him this spring has been shortening his swing, something he actually attributes to one of his favorite players growing up — Andrew McCutchen.
Quick hands were evident from Gonzales on that swing, the same as they were during his terrific college career. And even though it’s still up in the air where he’ll start — bet on high Class A Greensboro — Gonzales said he wants to keep that compact stroke going into the regular season.
That and the defensive work Gonzales has done with infield instructor Jamey Carroll, polishing his footwork at second base and also maximizing his arm strength.
“I’ve been real impressed and really happy with what’s been going on,” Gonzales said.
It was also a rough start to spring training for Peguero, who arrived late due to visa issues. After Peguero was one of the most noticeable players at instructional league last fall — in
part because of his personality — his ability to make an impression had to wait.
“It was really hard for me because I was so excited to be here and not waste any time,” Peguero said. “I was just patient, waiting for my time and getting ready to roll.”
Since arriving at Pirate City, Peguero has wasted little time. He joked that he’s not exactly the type to sit back in the shadows and stay quiet. “Never,” he said. “You cannot change the good stuff you have in yourself.”
The Pirates should not want Peguero to change, either. He considers Rays shortstop Wander Franco — currently MLB’s top prospect — one of his best friends, saying the two grew close while playing in various showcase tournaments around their native
Dominican Republic.
As a kid, Peguero idolized Ozzie Smith; for his fielding chops, sure, but Peguero also loved the sparkle and style with which the Cardinals legend played.
“He used to do back flips during the game,” Peguero said. “I’d be like, ‘ Oh my God. I want to be like him.’ That’s the guy.”
Another guy for Peguero is San Diego’s Fernando Tatis Jr., for similar reasons — his flair and personality, plus the ability to play baseball well. Tatis Jr. exudes an obvious joy, and Peguero wants to handle his business the same way.
To start the 2021 season, that joy should take Peguero to high Class A Greensboro, with Cole Tucker likely to start at Class AAA Indianapolis and Oneil Cruz a smart bet to play shortstop for Class AA Altoona.
It’s a level Peguero should be able to handle. In 2019, Peguero zoomed through two levels of minor league ball with the Diamondbacks, finishing at Class A shortseason and experiencing success.
Peguero slashed .326/.382/.485 with 11 doubles, 5 triples, 5 home runs, 38 RBIs and 11 stolen bases in 60 games.
Listed at 6 feet 1, 200 pounds, Peguero isn’t a Pete Alonso-style power hitter. He’s fast, athletic and has a 55-grade arm. But Peguero also has sneaky pop and the chance to add more as he fills out.
It’s the same sort of thing for Gonzales, the two of them potentially forming the Pirates infield of the future.
“We love being around each other, and we build off each other,” Gonzales said. “If we get to play together later on down the road, I think that’s great. I’m really looking forward to that.”