MLB Pipeline has started putting out their lists of the top ten prospects at each position. The Pittsburgh Pirates didn’t have anyone on the lists for right-handed pitchers, left-handed pitchers and catchers, though Quinn Priester was mentioned as a player to keep an eye on in the right-handed pitchers article. Friday’s list covers the top first base prospects and the Pirates have their first player listed so far. Mason Martin has been ranked as the tenth best prospect at first base.
Martin had a breakout season of sorts split between Low-A and High-A in 2019. He already put up big numbers during his first season in pro ball in 2017, then had a disappointing 2018 season, so it was more of a major bounce back season in 2019. Whatever you want to call it, the power numbers were legit, with 35 homers (23 in Greensboro, 12 in Bradenton), to go along with 32 doubles and four triples, leading to a .558 slugging percentage.
Martin spent the 2020 season at the Alternate Training Site in Altoona, then headed to Bradenton for the Fall Instructional League. He’s likely to open up the 2021 season in Altoona.
