One of several prep players the Pirates drafted and signed to over slot deals in 2021, injuries have slowed down Lonnie White Jr.'s progress through the minors.

He has some of the best raw tools in the system and is someone who, at his peak potential, could put together a 30/30 season, but swing-and-miss issues have plagued his early career.

White, 21, had a rough overall season in Greensboro in 2024. Injuries limited him to 89 games, which was still a career-high for him since turning pro. Despite hitting .167/.275/.340 and striking out 34.4% of the time, White still hit 14 home runs and swiped another 15 bags.

There's a lot of potential in White, but he needs to be able to stay on the field to work through the strikeout issue. He's also one of the better defensive outfielders in the system, who is more than capable in center and has a strong enough arm to play right.

Time isn't completely out on him, as 2024 would have been his draft year had he gone to college, and he would likely start 2025 at High-A anyway. 

So, there's still time, but 2025 will be a big season where he needs to take a big step forward and have the raw tools translate to more on-the-field success.

It's hard to imagine turning around from a 34.4% strikeout rate that low in the minors, but he has the skill set you are willing to wait on, just to make sure.

For further breakdown of prospects in the Pirates' system, visit Bucs on Deck.