Each year, several players outside the top 10 in their organizations’ farm systems make significant progress, elevating their prospect status. Among the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2026 prospects, a select few show promise to advance notably, highlighting potential future contributors to the team. This article focuses on those players ranked below the Pirates’ preseason Top 10 who could make a strong impact in the upcoming seasons.
All evaluations and scouting details are derived from Baseball America’s 2026 Prospect Handbook, providing insight into these candidates’ performance, skills, and projections.
Evaluating the Most Promising Breakout Candidates
Gilberto Morel
Morel, a Dominican infielder standing 6-foot-5, was originally expected to join the Dodgers’ 2025 international class but signed with the Pirates after L.A. shifted focus to Roki Sasaki. Pittsburgh offered him just under $1.78 million, roughly $1 million above his projected Dodgers bonus. In his professional debut during the Dominican Summer League, he posted a .287 batting average with an impressive .425 on-base percentage, accumulating 26 stolen bases and nearly as many walks (37) as strikeouts (45) over 50 games.
Morel’s long levers and athletic frame immediately draw attention, complemented by his natural left-handed swing and raw power potential, though his DSL season exposed vulnerabilities, particularly against inside hard pitches. He continues to refine his swing path and consistency at the plate. Defensively, Morel displays surprising fluidity at shortstop for his size and possesses a strong arm. His speed is above average, and while he likely remains a long-term project, there is the possibility he shifts positions to third base or left field as he matures.
The Pirates view him as a player with considerable upside, potentially developing into a well-rounded infielder, though his hitting remains a key area for growth.
Scouting grades: Hit – 40 | Power – 55 | Run – 55 | Field – 50 | Arm – 55
Ethan Gourson
A product of UCLA, Ethan Gourson spent three years as a starting second baseman and represented USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team in 2023. The Pirates selected him in the ninth round of the 2024 draft, signing him for $187,500. After a slow start, Gourson emerged in 2025, hitting .275 with a .370 on-base percentage and a .439 slugging percentage across High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona, also tallying 10 home runs and 31 stolen bases.
At 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds, Gourson is known for his intelligent, skill-first approach rather than raw tools. In the offseason before 2025, he enhanced his bat speed and adjusted his swing to increase power while maintaining contact. His refined strike-zone discipline, strong contact quality, and ability to hit velocity and offspeed pitches elevated his offensive performance last year. Defensively, he’s reliable at second base, capable at third and first, with an above-average arm. His base-running instincts complement his average speed.
Gourson projects as a versatile, detail-oriented player who could become a dependable utility infielder at the major-league level.
Scouting grades: Hit – 55 | Power – 45 | Run – 50 | Field – 50 | Arm – 55
Johan De Los Santos
The younger brother of shortstop prospect Yordany De Los Santos, Johan was Pittsburgh’s top international signing in 2025 with a $2.25 million bonus. During the Dominican Summer League season, he impressed by hitting .353 and stealing 34 bases in 44 games. Despite his youth and slight frame at 5-foot-8, 171 pounds, Johan maintained excellent plate discipline, walking 27 times compared to 13 strikeouts.
Facing DSL pitchers, De Los Santos demonstrated outstanding bat-to-ball ability and exceptional hand-eye coordination, enabling him to hit pitches into gaps effectively. While he isn’t expected to develop much power, his speed and instincts stand out. Defensively, Pittsburgh views him as fundamentally sound with a quick first step, capable of handling shortstop duties. His hands may be tested as he climbs higher, but his potential to contribute at a young age remains high.
The Pirates have even considered assigning him directly to Low-A Bradenton for his age-17 season, with expectations that his table-setting skills could anchor either the top or bottom of a major league batting order in the future.
Scouting grades: Hit – 60 | Power – 30 | Run – 60 | Field – 55 | Arm – 50
Implications for Pittsburgh’s Future Lineup and Development Strategy
The progress of these prospects outside the traditional top rankings reflects the Pirates’ depth and talent cultivation efforts. Gilberto Morel’s projectable frame and athleticism offer high upside if his hitting develops, while Ethan Gourson’s polished approach exemplifies the value of baseball intelligence combined with solid skills. Johan De Los Santos’ quickness and contact abilities showcase the organization’s commitment to investing in young, versatile infielders.
As Pittsburgh’s farm system continues evolving, these players’ breakthroughs could shape the team’s competitive window beyond 2026. Their growth will likely influence decisions about promotions, position assignments, and long-term roster construction, making their progress important to monitor throughout upcoming seasons.
