Pirates’ first-round pick Reese McGuire off to stellar start to pro career
By Matt Shetler
Lost amidst the success the Pittsburgh Pirates are currently having at the major league level this season is the fact that some of their top minor prospects have performed above the level that their lofty expectations would have even suggested.
One of those such guys is 2013 first-round pick Reese McGuire.
Jul 13, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first round pick Reese McGuire watches batting practice before the game against the New York Mets at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Not only did the Pirates sign both of their first-round selections this season, but McGuire has gotten off to such a strong start to his professional career that you can see what all the hype was about.
The Covington, Washington native not only collected four hits in his professional debut for the GCL Pirates, but has continued to roll since then.
The Pirates perceived catcher of the future has played in 24 minor league games so far and has been nothing short of outstanding, hitting to a .368 (35-for-95) clip.
His overall .368/.429/.463 slash line has also earned him Gulf Coast League Player of the Month honors for the month of July.
Overall McGuire has nine doubles, 13 RBI and three steals in the 24 games.
Just looking back at July though, McGuire recorded hits in 16 of 21 games played, and reached base safely in 19 of his 21 games. He’s showing the line drive stroke that had him rated as the top catcher on the board prior to the draft.
McGuire isn’t just lauded for his offensive abilities though as he has shown the defensive abilities that the Pirates raved about as he has thrown out 50 percent (11-of-22) of opposing base runners at this point in his young career.
While McGuire is off to a tremendous start, he isn’t the only one as fellow first round pick, outfielder Austin meadows is off to a nice professional start to his career, hitting .291 with a .919 OPS through 22 professional games with the GCL Pirates. Meadows has a pair of homers and 9 RBI.
You look at young guys like McGuire and Meadows and it should give Pirates’ fans even more reason to get excited about where this franchise is headed.