PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – As the Pirates discuss potential trade options to improve its bullpen and potentially starting pitching, it appears the compensation would be minor-league prospects. Has one draft pick from last year become untouchable?
Waiting until pick 73 last July after setting records at Fresno State, 6’3”, 220-pound Murf Gray didn’t start his pro career until April. He hit a home run in his debut at Class A Bradenton and hasn’t stopped. Gray drove in 21 runs in his first month of his career.
The 22-year-old would last only 38 games in Low A with eight home runs and a 1.042 OPS. The right-handed hitter would play 43 games at High A Greensboro hitting 15 home runs with a .991 OPS.
Now in Altoona, Gray hit a grand slam in the Tuesday afternoon game at Akron, his second home run in just four games in AA. That’s 25 home runs in 85 games.
It’s widely believed pitcher and Futures Game participant Seth Hernandez is off-limits in any trade talk. The Pirates first-round pick already has over 100 strikeouts in his first full pro season. OF Edward Florentino might be on that list after also being named to the Futures Game. The 19-year-old has 17 home runs this season with an .846 OPS.
Gray plays a position the Pirates don’t have a starter in waiting. Konnor Griffin is the shortstop, first and second base are spoken for and the outfield is pretty much set, but not third base. 27-year-old lefty hitter Enmanuel Valdez has played 33 games at third base at AAA this year with 13 home runs, 52 RBIs and .818 OPS.
Valdez has played 156 games in the majors with 14 home runs, .230 average and .680 OPS.
With a strong finish to the season, MLB in 2027 is within Gray’s grasp. Will it be with the Pirates?
Teams are likely to ask, what will they do?
Murf Gray having huge first season in pro ball, now at AA
Murf Gray having huge first season in pro ball, now at AA
