Pittsburgh Pirates: Bligh Madris Potential 4th Outfielder

The Pittsburgh Pirates are rebuilding the farm system. There is a Triple A outfielder currently going under the radar that could contribute next season.

In 2017, the Pittsburgh Pirates took an outfielder by the name of Bligh Madris in the ninth round. He went to Colorado Mesa University, where he hit .404/.488/.656 including a junior year where he had 17 home runs, 45 walks, and 30 strikeouts. He signed for $130,000 with a slot value of $142,700. He was an interesting developmental project from a small school, but showed power and plate discipline.

The left-hander hasn’t produced the best overall numbers, just a .258/.327/.393 overall career slash. However, this year in Triple-A Indianapolis he has hit .274/.358/.432, good enough for a 112 wRC+. The 25-year-old is putting himself into position for next year.

While the overall numbers aren’t stellar, he has been 12 percent above average. With the current Pittsburgh Pirates outfield depth, Madris could be positioning himself for a chance to make the team next spring training. Even if he doesn’t make the team, he could serve as depth off the 40-man roster in case of injury. There’s no guarantees for next year’s outfield outside of Bryan Reynolds, so Madris could get that chance. Anthony Alford likely has the inside track to be in left, but there is little guarantee Ben Gamel will be in right. Travis Swaggerty is also coming off shoulder surgery  there is an opening for Madris this spring training to show what he can do and line himself up at least as a depth option.

The outfielder will be 26 next season and he is showing the best plate discipline this season in his minor league career. He is also showing his best power, .158 ISO, and is tracking towards maybe ending up as a Quad-A player. While he likely won’t ever be a starter long term, Madris could push for a depth option next season.