With Opening Day just around the corner, the Pittsburgh Pirates have several difficult decisions to make, the most pressing of which is whether Konnor Griffin will make the team. Where Griffin starts the year will ultimately shape the Pirates’ infield to begin the campaign. Some players are on the bubble and not guaranteed to head north with the club.
There are only 26 spots available on the roster. This spring has taught us a lot. We’ve seen young prospects make a name for themselves, while others have faded into obscurity. One name that still has a big question mark next to it is Nick Yorke, who’s had a good, but not great, camp. His fate will be decided in the coming days. Regardless, Yorke is still an asset to this team’s future.
Through 14 spring training games, Yorke has hit .278 with one home run and four runs batted in. His OPS currently sits at .750. He’s played around the infield, starting games at first, second, and third, while also filling in at both corner outfield positions. A natural second baseman at this point in his career, but he may be best suited for a utility role.
His competition thus far includes the newly acquired Tyler Callihan and Billy Cook. Nick Gonzales also factors into all of this, whether he is named the Opening Day shortstop or not. Don’t forget Alika Williams. You also have to consider that Brandon Lowe becomes a free agent after this season, and Termarr Johnson is on the horizon.
Then there’s Jhostynxon Garcia, also known as “The Password.” He’s arguably had the best camp of anyone. I mention Garcia because the Bucs’ outfield also isn’t set in stone. What role will Jake Mangum fill? Will Ryan O’Hearn move to first against lefties? This would create an opening in right field, with a handful of options, including Yorke, to fill it.
When I think of who Nick Yorke could become, my first thought is Adam Frazier. They share some similarities, as well as key differences. Frazier’s hit tool was always his finest trait, whereas Yorke is more of an all-around player who can hit for some pop and steal some bags. Frazier didn’t become a full-time big leaguer until his age 25 season; another interesting parallel.
Yorke is still just 23 years old, with only 33 major league games under his belt. I do not believe the Pirates will give up on him anytime soon. Yorke has the pedigree. A former first-round pick, his full potential has yet to be realized. In 2022, he was ranked #55 in MLB’s Top 100, as well as Boston’s #3 prospect.
Yorke came to Pittsburgh in the Quinn Priester deal. Given how Priester eventually turned out in Milwaukee, the Bucs should have reason to give Yorke a fair shot in the show. While Yorke might start the year in Triple-A Indianapolis, that’s not inherently a bad thing. It gives him the opportunity to play every day.
When you’re still in the process of evaluating talent, this is a must. Yorke spent most of last season in Indy, hitting .287 with seven homers, 59 runs batted in, and 17 stolen bases. It might take more time for Yorke to develop into a bona fide big leaguer, and that’s okay. Adam Frazier was a late bloomer, too, and he went on to be an All-Star.
It all comes down to Konnor Griffin at this point. While Griffin will continue to garner the most headlines given the hype, you shouldn’t forget about players like Nick Yorke. A reminder to all Pirates fans to be patient, not every top prospect becomes the next Mike Trout. If Yorke becomes the next Adam Frazier, you couldn’t ask for much more.
