The Pittsburgh Pirates have faced challenges with power hitting at the major league level, but their prospect Tony Blanco Jr. has demonstrated exceptional raw power that rivals some of baseball’s strongest players. Recently, Blanco made headlines with two towering home runs, including an electrifying walk-off hit that showcased his immense strength and potential. His impressive display of power places him in conversation with elite sluggers like Oneil Cruz, a key benchmark in this comparison.
Details on Blanco’s Explosive Home Runs and Physical Profile
Blanco’s rise gained attention on July 30 when he launched a home run traveling 415 feet with an exit velocity of 118.9 MPH, according to Statcast data. Just a few days later on August 2, he smashed a 119.8 MPH walk-off homer that sealed the game for Bradenton, demonstrating power on par with top players such as Oneil Cruz, Vlad Guerrero Jr., Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton, all of whom have recorded blast exit speeds exceeding 118 MPH this season.
Standing 6’7” and weighing 243 pounds at only 20 years old, Blanco closely mirrors the frame of Giancarlo Stanton, the New York Yankees slugger known for his consistent power over the past 15 years. Stanton’s physicality and prowess at the plate have set a high standard for power hitters, making Blanco’s matching size and strength all the more notable as he attempts to carve out a similar path.
Performance Metrics Highlight Both Strengths and Areas for Growth
Blanco’s early results in Bradenton have been impressive for a newcomer, with five hits in seven games and 31 plate appearances, including the two prodigious home runs. Additionally, he has drawn six walks and recorded 12 batted balls over 100 MPH out of 30 tracked by Statcast—a 40% rate of high exit velocity hits, underscoring his raw power.
Despite this, a significant concern is Blanco’s ability to consistently make contact. He currently has a 43.2% whiff rate and a contact rate of just 56.7%, figures that raise questions about his hit-making potential. For comparison, Joey Gallo, a known power hitter in the major leagues, has a higher contact rate of 60.7% despite striking out over 40% of the time. However, Blanco’s chase rate sits at a respectable 27.8%, indicating he is selective enough to avoid swinging at many pitches outside the strike zone.
Potential Impact and Development Outlook for Tony Blanco Jr.
Few players possess the overwhelming raw power that Blanco exhibits, and much of his future success hinges on improving his contact skills. Even if his strikeout rate remains high, modest progress toward making more consistent contact could unlock significant power output that challenges major league pitching. His current profile suggests a low floor due to frequent misses, but his extraordinary power offers a ceiling where he could become a seasonal leader in home runs.
As the Pirates continue to develop Blanco, their ability to help him refine his swing and approach will be crucial. If successful, Blanco Jr. may join the ranks of the franchise’s most feared power hitters, providing a much-needed offensive boost alongside players like Oneil Cruz. His progress will be closely followed as he advances through the minor leagues, with many hoping his raw strength translates into major league impact in the near future.