The Pittsburgh Pirates are a team that must live and die by its prospects. In a new series, PBD will project each of the team’s Top 20 prospects in 2017.
Welcome to a new recurring series here at Pirates Breakdown in which we count down and project the 2017 seasons for each of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Top 20 prospects, ranked as per MLB Pipeline. Today we take a look at the team’s #4 prospect, Kevin Newman.
Prospect Primer
Kevin Newman was selected by the Pirates on the 19th pick overall in the 2015 MLB draft from the University of Arizona. Newman was a highly touted prospect coming out of college and the Pirates scooped him up with thoughts of him being the future shortstop for the Pirates. Newman has done a nice job of climbing the Pirates minor league ranks over the last two seasons. For the most part he has stayed healthy and coaches admire his work ethic. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes Newman a blue chip prospect for the Bucs.
Strengths
One of the strengths in Newman’s game is his defensive ability. He is slick with the glove and he moves his feet well on ground balls. Newman has the potential to be an above average fielder by the time he makes it to the majors. Newman does a nice job getting a jump on the ball, his instincts are excellent from a fielding perspective. He has a strong enough arm to make all of the throws necessary and should have no problem being a formidable double play option in Pittsburgh.
Newman did an excellent job last season improving at the plate overall. In 2015 he spent time in Low A West Virginia along with the West Virginia Black Bears. He struggled a bit at the plate in 2015 as he had a slash line of .257/.318/.668. He was able to improve that greatly in 2016, against tougher opponents. He was able to tally a .320/.389/.814 line in 2016, which showed great progression. Newman has average/above average speed and was able to take advantage with 21 doubles along with 3 triples. It was encouraging to see Newman have a solid year at the plate in 2016 with Bradenton and Altoona.
Areas For Improvement
One area that Newman should look to improve is his power numbers. Shortstop is not a position that is known for power, but Newman only had 5 homeruns in 457 plate appearances last season. That is 1 homerun per every 91.4 plate appearances. Newman does not have a power hitter’s frame, standing at 6’1” and weighing 180 pounds according to baseball-reference. Newman may have to make a concerted effort in the offseason next year to build his strength via weight training. He should be open to any suggestions that Pirates strength and conditioning coaches will have down the road.
Where He Starts 2017
There is a solid chance that Newman could start the year at Indianapolis, the Pirates AAA affiliate. Newman did a nice job for the Curve last season when he was called up. Newman will have the opportunity to grab the coaches’ attention this spring as he is a non-roster invite to Spring Training with the Pirates.
Where He Ends 2017
It is unlikely that Newman would see time this year in Pittsburgh unless Jordy Mercer were to get injured. If that would occur, the Pirates would have a need at the shortstop position. One potential theory behind Newman’s ascension in the Pirates system could be the fact that Sean Rodriguez is no longer with the club. Rodriguez acted as a “super utility” player for the Bucs. If the Pirates would have Newman stashed away at AAA, it would be an excellent insurance option. Either way, Newman projects to be an MLB starter at some point in the next 3 years. It is likely that Newman will be a good hitter, who just does not display power often. That can change under certain circumstances, however.
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