Macias Jumps From High-A to Triple-A, and May Be Knocking on the Big League Door
When you look down the Pittsburgh Pirates top 30 prospects list, there are several outfielders that make an appearance. In the top 10, you have Travis Swaggerty and Hudson Head, and in total there are six different true outfielders who make an appearance. However, one name you won't find is Fabricio Macias, but it may be a name you see in Pittsburgh sooner than the rest. Macias has spent the last four seasons in the Pirates Minor League system since being signed as an amateur free agent back on February 21st, 2018. He spent that time down in the lower levels of the Minor Leagues putting up both good contact and good speed numbers along the way.
The 2021 season started the same way as those other seasons had, as Macias was once again with High-A Greensboro. He was still putting up good contact numbers, hitting .316 with six home runs and 38 RBI. His power tool started to break through, as he had a career-high six home runs and was still making consistent contact at the plate. He finally got recognized for his hard work when a need arose in the upper levels of the Minor Leagues. When Travis Swaggerty went down with an injury, the Indianapolis Indians needed some outfield help. It was Macias who would make the jump from High-A on July 6th, 2021. 22 games later, he is still hitting the ball hard, and at 23-years-old, could be knocking on the door of the Major League team as he tries to make his Major League dreams a reality.
Making the Jump
In today's day and age, it is very rare to see a player jump multiple levels of the Minor League system. You always hear about getting their reps and making sure they are developing and hitting their marks before they make the move to the next level. However, there have been some exceptions, with Rodolfo Castro getting promoted from Double-A earlier this season. In Macias's case, he had spent three seasons pitching at the A-Ball level, and the Pirates felt he could make the jump flawlessly. Macias was putting together the best offensive season of his career so far, hitting .316 with six home runs and 38 RBI over 44 games played. He added a little bit of pop to his contact ability, and the Pirates felt this would play well in Triple-A.
So far, he has made that confidence warranted and is thriving through his first 22 games played. He is hitting a healthy .296 (21-71) with two home runs, eight RBI, and two stolen bases. Macias has always been a contact hitter, but this year he is racking up the extra-base hits. Combined between High-A and Triple-A, Macias has 11 doubles, two triples, and eight home runs for a total of 21 extra-base hits. Throughout his career, Macias has had a problem with strikeouts, but since coming to Triple-A he has had a better eye at the plate. He has a strikeout rate of 18.6% this season, compared to a 5.6% walk rate. He is making consistent contact this season, and when you put the ball in play, good things are sure to follow.
Even though Macias only has two full playing seasons in Minor League Baseball, he actually has a total of four years of pro baseball experience. Before he signed with the Pirates, he was a member of Saraperos de Saltillo. He played two seasons in Mexican Professional baseball and hit .300 and .318 respectively in those two seasons. With the Pirates looking for someone to step into the leadoff role, a look at Macias's numbers shows he could handle top-of-the-lineup duties. In the first inning of games this season, Macias is hitting .368 (7-19) with eight RBI, and as a number two hitter in Indianapolis, Macias is hitting .417 (5-12) with a home run and two RBI. He only has three at-bats as a leadoff hitter this season, but the success he has in the first inning can translate to the top of the lineup.
Where He Could Fit In Pittsburgh
With Bryan Reynolds in centerfield, the two open spots on the Major League roster are left field and right field. Luckily, since coming to Triple-A Indianapolis, Macias has played exclusively right field for the Indians and has been playing at a high level. He has not committed an error in right field this season and has only committed two errors over his entire Minor League career. He uses his speed to cover a good amount of ground in the outfield, and he is able to make all of the necessary plays. At 6'0, 180 pounds, Macias is able to glide across the outfield and can get to most balls.
When he does make the Pirates, whether it be this season or in the future, it is likely that he will stick to the corner outfield for two reasons. First, the centerfielder is the "air traffic controller" out in the outfield and you want a leader in that role. Reynolds has done a nice job in centerfield this season and is a possible Gold Glove candidate. Having Reynolds beside him will help Macias learn the PNC Park outfield and get adjusted to the Major League lifestyle. Not only would they be partners in the outfield, but they would be relatively close in the lineup, with Macias hitting one or two and Reynolds sitting in the three-hole.
Now, as to whether or not Macias makes the Big Leagues this season, I think it is a long shot. He has only played in 22 Triple-A games, and although he is having success now, he needs a little more work against more advanced level pitching. They say that when a player passes Double-A, you see the difference between the contenders and pretenders and so far Macias is showing he is no joke. In the month of August, Macias has hit .313 in Triple-A with a home run and three RBI over six games played. Fabricio Macias is probably one of the best names in the Pirates system, and he is hoping that his talent can match his cool name.
The Pittsburgh Pirates (41-74) take on the Milwaukee Brewers (70-46) in their second series in the last two weeks when they welcome them to PNC Park at 7:05 pm. Mitch Keller (3-9, 7.06) makes his third start since being recalled from Triple-A for the Pirates against Brett Anderson (4-5, 3.54) for the Brewers. You can watch the game live on AT&T Sportsnet or listen on 93.7 The Fan.
Comments
Post a Comment