Pirates Top Prospects No. 6: Axiel Plaz an All-Star in High-A

This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pirates prospects.Axiel Plaz opened some eyes in his first professional season in the Pirates organization after signing out of the Dominican Republic for $350,000 in 2022. Four years later, he impressed again in High-A.Plaz spent the entire 2026 season with Greensboro. The 21-year-old was named a South Atlantic League All-Star after slashing .305/.389/.513 with 20 doubles, 18 home runs and 74 RBI in 94 games. He finished third in Pittsburgh’s system in batting average (min. 350 plate appearances).Plaz took a step forward last season before his big leap this year. One of the biggest reasons for his improved showing has been cutting down on strikeouts. After striking out in over 28% of his plate appearances in ’24, Plaz only struck out in 19.3% of his plate appearances last season. That marked improved again to 17.2% this year.Through parts of five seasons in the Pirates organization, the right-handed hitter carries a .253/.358/.453 batting line with 59 doubles, two triples, 47 home runs and 202 RBI in 309 games. There’s some pop, as evident by his .200 ISO. And Plaz’s improvements putting the ball in play raise his offensive ceiling.Plaz totaled 56 games at catcher for Greensboro this season. He ended the year with a career-best 37% caught stealing rate to pair with a .980 fielding percentage. In 189 career games behind the plate, Plaz has a healthy 30% caught stealing rate and a .980 fielding percentage. He also played 20 games at first base this season. He’s totaled 67 games there in his minor-league career. Plaz certainly possesses the arm to play catcher, and his 5-11, 165-pound frame plays better there than at first base. Fine-tuning his defensive skills will be among Plaz’s biggest priorities as he continues to develop.There’s a real chance Plaz begins next season with Double-A Altoona. As is the case with most players who produce in the hitter-friendly South Atlantic League, Plaz will have to prove he can perform in the Eastern League with the Curve. There’s optimism he will be able to given the adjustments he’s made and what he’s already shown. Related HeadlinesPirates Top Prospects No. 7: Easton Carmichael a Well-Rounded CatcherPirates Top Prospects No. 8: Chris Rembert Hits the Ground RunningPirates Top Prospects No. 9: ’26 2nd Rounder Aiden Ruiz Perhaps Best Defender in Draft ClassRead more at Pittsburgh Baseball Now