BA Grade/Risk:

45/Medium

Track Record: Bae's reputation is forever impacted by the 30-game suspension he served in 2019 for violating MiLB's domestic violence policy after a South Korean court convicted him of assaulting his then-girlfriend at a New Year's Eve party in 2017. The Pirates chose not to release Bae and he has steadily risen through Pittsburgh's system since, culminating in his big league debut in 2022, when he hit .333 over 33 at-bats.

Scouting Report: The industry has long viewed Bae as a burner with impressive bat control and those foundational elements remained intact in 2022. He did, however, make two notable adjustments. Bae cut his strikeout rate (16.9%) by nearly 6 percent. He also added a bit more strength to his 185-pound frame, with evaluators seeing more hard contact than in years past. Still, it's low power potential, and his swing is geared to keep the ball low and accentuate his plus hitting ability. Bae times pitchers with a sizable leg kick, recoiling as he waits, then jumps at the ball, sometimes dropping to one knee as he makes contact. Bae's groundball rate annually hovers around 50%. It allows his 70-grade speed to flourish as he dashes to first base and then steals bases in bunches. Bae doesn't necessarily stand out at any one position defensively, but can capably play almost anywhere, including all three up-the-middle spots, although his arm is stretched at shortstop.

The Future: Bae could be a plug-and-play option for the Pirates in 2023 as a contact-oriented super-utility type.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 60. Power: 30. Speed: 70. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50.