The son of a former big leaguer, Tony Blanco Jr., is a massive human being capable of hitting the ball just as hard as any other player in the minors.
Signed in January of the 2022 International signing period, Blanco quickly showed he could light up the charts when it comes to exit velocity. He displayed the power, but there were major concerns about his ability to make contact while playing in the Dominican.
It'd make sense if he struggled in his first year coming Stateside, but Blanco actually cut back on his strikeouts and improved his walk rate in the FCL in 2024. He hit .305/.385/.505 with four home runs, five doubles, and a triple in 109 plate appearances.
The biggest step that Blanco can make in 2025, besides continued progress with the hit tool, is to see the field more often. He had a couple of stints on the IL that limited him to 30 games last year. Blanco will turn 20 during the 2025 season.
There's a chance he moves straight to Bradenton, but a safer projection is that he starts in the FCL and then moves up later. He's limited to first base but has the power to play there easily.
Pittsburgh Pirates 1B prospect Tony Blanco Jr today:
For more on the Pirates' system, visit Bucs on Deck.
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THE ASYLUM
Anthony Murphy
1:51 pm - 01.20.2025Gordonsville, Va.Today's prospect: Tony Blanco Jr.
The son of a former big leaguer, Tony Blanco Jr., is a massive human being capable of hitting the ball just as hard as any other player in the minors.
Signed in January of the 2022 International signing period, Blanco quickly showed he could light up the charts when it comes to exit velocity. He displayed the power, but there were major concerns about his ability to make contact while playing in the Dominican.
It'd make sense if he struggled in his first year coming Stateside, but Blanco actually cut back on his strikeouts and improved his walk rate in the FCL in 2024. He hit .305/.385/.505 with four home runs, five doubles, and a triple in 109 plate appearances.
The biggest step that Blanco can make in 2025, besides continued progress with the hit tool, is to see the field more often. He had a couple of stints on the IL that limited him to 30 games last year. Blanco will turn 20 during the 2025 season.
There's a chance he moves straight to Bradenton, but a safer projection is that he starts in the FCL and then moves up later. He's limited to first base but has the power to play there easily.
For more on the Pirates' system, visit Bucs on Deck.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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