Alen Hanson

As a prospect with the Pirates in 2012, Hanson's combination of power and speed at Low-A West Virginia put him on the radar for dynasty league players, hopeful that those tools would be refined over the years and eventually lead to a fantasy-friendly contributor with middle-infield eligibility. As he moved up the minor-league ladder, it became clear that the power he flashed was mostly the byproduct of low-level pitching, and his stolen-base upside is capped by limited on-base skills. The White Sox claimed him off waivers in June, and he put together an empty .231/.276/.375 line while appearing at six different defensive positions last season. His speed is legitimate, as he went 9-for-11 as a basestealer, but the White Sox non-tendered him in December, making him a free agent. Hanson signed a minor-league deal with the Giants shortly thereafter and will have to scratch and claw to break camp with a roster spot.

It seems like the 24-year-old Hanson has been around forever. After all, he was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2009 and made his first appearance on top-100 prospect lists in 2013. He finally made his major league debut in 2016, going 7-for-31 in 27 games while serving as a frequent pinch runner. He stole two bases in three tries after nabbing 36 bags in 51 attempts for Triple-A Indianapolis. Hanson has the pop to hit for extra bases and the speed to make an impact in the big leagues, but the Pirates have shown concern for his ability to focus on and off the field. It wouldn't be surprising if Pittsburgh explored the trade market with Hanson, as Adam Frazier has passed him at the big league level and he's out of options heading into 2017.

It’s hard to believe, but Hanson has already played six years in the Bucs' organization. Still only 23, the second baseman has been brought along slowly. Hanson has displayed great wheels, hitting 12 or more triples in each of the last four years. He also swiped 35 of 47 bags last season. With the Pirates' decision to trade Neil Walker to the Mets, Hanson figures to make his MLB debut as soon as 2016. He’ll provide fantasy owners with stolen bases immediately, but it's possible that he will return to Triple-A until an injury opens up a regular spot at second base since Jung-Ho Kang, Jordy Mercer, and Josh Harrison could handle the third base, shortstop, and second base jobs to begin the year.

On the surface, Hanson's Double-A numbers in 2014 -- .280/.326/.442 with 11 homers and 25 steals -- keep him squarely planted on Pittsburgh's prospects chart. He was benched on two separate occasions for a lack of effort, however. At 22, the big on-field question surrounding Hanson has been whether he can stay at shortstop or if second base better suits his skillset. He played 100 games at shortstop (29 errors) and 17 at second (four errors). His offense is close to major-league ready, but the Dominican product continues to face maturity questions. There's a chance the organization trades Hanson, giving him a fresh start, but he figures to start the season in Triple-A with a possible callup by season's end.

Hanson recovered from a horrendous start with High-A Bradenton to post decent numbers split between High-A and Double-A in 2013. For the year, he slashed a combined .274/.329/.427 with 27 doubles, 13 triples and eight homers. He also stole 30 bases in 46 attempts and posted a 41:96 BB:K ratio. A switch-hitter, the 21-year-old Hanson can play second base, shortstop or third, but has thus far stuck at short. It's encouraging he rebounded from his struggles and retained his prospect tag. Pittsburgh sent Hanson to the Arizona Fall League -- he hit .253 and stole six bases in 79 at-bats -- and added him to the 40-man roster in November. Most likely, he'll start the 2014 campaign at Double-A, where the organization will get a better look at him in his first full year at an advanced level.

Hanson's scant build (5-foot-11, 152 pounds) belies a promising blend of power and speed. The 20-year-old infielder moved front-and-center in 2012 with 16 homers and 35 stolen bases for Low-A West Virginia. A 55:105 K:BB ratio and 40 errors are areas of concern, but whether he settles in at shortstop, second base or even the outfield, it won't affect his offensive potential. Pittsburgh is in dire need of prospects who can flat-out hit and may have found a hidden gem in this young Dominican. Hanson will likely start 2013 with a promotion to the Florida State League (High-A). He's a ways off, but should be grabbed in dynasty leagues.