There are conflicting reports out there about Gregory Polanco’s potential move to the Majors. Pirates Prospects’ Tim Williams first reported Wednesday that the Bucs were expected to promote their top farmhand Friday before adding that the front office denied the move. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports wrote Thursday that the outfielder is “close to joining [the] Pirates,” although he pointed out next week is the more likely time for his arrival and that he isn’t likely to sign a long-term deal like Jonathan Singleton did with the Astros last week.
No matter when he officially gets the call, we all know Polanco’s time in the Minors is surely up soon, since the Super Two deadline passes this month. That means there’s only a limited time that we can enjoy seeing the talented outfielder in an Indianapolis Indians uniform. With that in mind, here are some of Polanco’s best highlights from the 2014 season so far, as seen on MiLB.TV.
Polanco came into pro ball as a center fielder, where his plus speed and arm have always placed nicely. But the Pirates already have a Gold Glove-winning fielder (and the reigning NL MVP) out in center in Andrew McCutchen, so the organization moved Polanco over to right, where he can still show off his arm as seen here:
His glove also still works plenty fine out in right, even if the Pirates contended that he needed all this time to get used to the new position.
Finally, Polanco’s bat has received impressive grades since he batted .325 with 16 homers and a .910 OPS in his first full season at Class A West Virginia in 2012. It seems to have taken another step forward this year as he’s slashed .355/.412/.550/.962 with six homers, 17 doubles and five triples at Triple-A. Though Josh Harrison has done his best to keep the right field position afloat in Pittsburgh, Polanco is expected to bring a big boost whenever he takes his place on the Pirates’ lineup card. You can see why.
Need more? You can seedozens of Polanco highlights here.
