Brandan Bidois: Pirates’ Pitching Prospect Bounces Back in AFL
The journey to success is rarely a straight line, and for Brandan Bidois, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ up-and-coming pitching prospect, it’s been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Once heralded as one of the most promising arms in the organization, Bidois’ path in the AFL (Arizona Fall League) has seen its fair share of setbacks. But, with grit and determination, the young pitcher is bouncing back in a way that has raised eyebrows and reignited hopes for his future. However, his resurgence is stirring up controversy in baseball circles, as analysts question whether Bidois truly has what it takes to succeed in the MLB.
A Once-Doubtful Prospect
Brandan Bidois entered the Pirates’ farm system with high expectations. With his towering frame and electric fastball, scouts projected him as a potential future ace for the major league team. However, injuries, inconsistent performances, and doubts about his ability to mentally handle the pressures of high-level competition began to tarnish his early promise. Many within the organization quietly wrote him off, viewing him as yet another example of a prospect who couldn’t handle the heat.
But Bidois wasn’t ready to give up. After an uninspiring 2023 season, marked by subpar performances and time spent on the injured list, the 23-year-old right-hander knew he had to make some drastic changes. He spent the offseason revamping his mechanics and focusing on his mental game, preparing to make a statement in the AFL. And make a statement he has.
AFL Resurgence Sparks Controversy
Bidois’ recent resurgence in the Arizona Fall League has been nothing short of remarkable. With a fastball now consistently touching 98 mph, complemented by a devastating slider, Bidois has become a force on the mound. His strikeout numbers have skyrocketed, and his newfound command has silenced those who doubted his ability to compete at a high level.
But as the young pitcher bounces back, critics are raising questions about the AFL’s ability to truly test pitching talent. Is Bidois’ dominance in the AFL a true reflection of his potential, or is it merely a product of facing less-experienced hitters? Some analysts argue that the AFL, known for showcasing prospects who aren’t yet ready for the majors, doesn’t provide an accurate barometer of how a pitcher like Bidois will fare against MLB-level talent.
Additionally, some have accused the Pirates’ organization of hyping up Bidois’ performances in the AFL to inflate his trade value. With the franchise in desperate need of rebuilding assets, there’s speculation that the Pirates may be positioning Bidois as a prime trade chip, rather than seeing him as a long-term piece of their future rotation. This theory has caused a stir among Pirates fans, many of whom are eager to see Bidois contribute to the team’s rebuild rather than be shipped off for potential prospects.
What’s Next for Bidois?
As the controversy swirls, one thing is clear: Brandan Bidois is determined to prove his critics wrong. His AFL performances may not be enough to silence the doubters entirely, but they’ve certainly put him back on the radar as a legitimate prospect. Whether he ends up as part of the Pirates’ future or is dealt to another team remains to be seen, but his comeback story is one that baseball fans will be watching closely.
For Bidois, the AFL might just be the beginning of his redemption arc. With the right support and continued improvement, he could very well become the ace that Pittsburgh once envisioned. But with every pitch, the question remains: Will Bidois’ bounce back in the AFL translate to success in the majors, or is this just another flash in the pan?
As the Pirates and Bidois navigate this pivotal moment in his career, the spotlight is on—and only time will tell if he’s truly ready for the next step.