WATCH LIST: FIVE MINOR LEAGUERS

Paul Skenes • RHP

It goes without saying that the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 draft will be worth monitoring. Skenes, a 6-foot-6 hurler with a fantastic fastball and slider to match, headlines a group of non-roster invitees to the big-league camp. He has thrown only 6 ⅔ minor-league innings, and was shut down at the end of last season. But a strong showing in spring training can only fast-track Skenes’ path to pitching for the Pirates this season.

Termarr Johnson • 2B

Highly regarded position players are at a premium in the system, with Johnson perhaps the most coveted. The No. 4 overall pick in 2022 had a mixed first full minor league season, hitting a combined 18 HRs with a .422 OBP at two levels. He also struck out 34% of the time. Having not played above High-A Greensboro, he isn’t a candidate to crack the club. This is about seeing what strides he’s taken at the plate ahead of his third year as a pro.

Jared Jones • RHP

Odds are it will be a long shot for any pitching prospect to crack the roster from the outset, but Jones might have the best shot of any. He made it up to Indianapolis midway through last season, but struggled there as he continues to develop his secondary stuff that complements an upper-90s fastball. As a non-roster invite, Jones, 22, can show the Pirates whether he has sufficiently polished his arsenal to warrant a spot on the opening day roster.

Braxton Ashcraft • RHP

Nearly six years after selecting him in the second round, the Pirates are finally starting to get glimpses of his potential. In returning from Tommy John surgery last season, he had a combined 2.39 ERA across three levels and finished the year with Altoona. He was added to the 40-man roster after the season, showing he remains in the team’s plans. He will likely start the year with the Curve but is an intriguing candidate to ascend quickly in his age-23 season.

Jack Brannigan • 3B/SS

The former two-way player at Notre Dame came into his own as a position player last season, hitting 19 HRs between two levels, the fourth-most of any Pirates minor leaguer. He profiled as a third baseman when selected in the third round in 2022, but he made more starts at shortstop for Greensboro last season. It’ll be curious to see where the Pirates put Brannigan defensively, and how his bat fares against advanced competition.