Alexander Canario remains one of the most intriguing hitters in Major League Baseball today. Since joining the Pittsburgh Pirates, his mix of raw power and unique skills has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. While his results at the plate have not always matched expectations, the underlying metrics suggest a player with untapped potential.

The Current State of Alexander Canario with the Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired Alexander Canario in the first week of the current season. Since then, Canario has seen semi-regular playing time, but his traditional stats have left much to be desired. As of mid-May 2025, he is slashing just .160/.250/.320 over 56 plate appearances. Despite these struggles, the Pirates continue to keep Canario on the roster. This decision has sparked questions about the reasoning behind their commitment.

A recent analysis delved into why the Pirates are keeping Alexander Canario around so long. While his batting average is well below the Mendoza Line, there are other factors at play that justify his extended look in the majors.

Unrivaled Power and Bat Speed

What truly sets Canario apart from many MLB hitters is his elite bat speed. He averages a remarkable 77.1 MPH on his swings, placing him among the top hitters in the league—higher than established names like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. This power translates into a stunning 22.9% barrel rate, the best among National League players with at least 50 plate appearances, second only to Judge across all of baseball.

His expected slugging percentage (.557 xSLG%) and weighted on-base average (.367 xwOBA) suggest that his struggles may be due in part to bad luck rather than a lack of talent. For instance, his .182 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) is exceptionally low, hinting at unlucky outcomes despite hard contact.

The Strikeout and Contact Dilemma

Canario’s biggest challenge is making contact consistently. His whiff rate exceeds 40%, one of the highest among active players in 2025. Historically, very few hitters with such a high swing-and-miss rate have achieved long-term success. Most players with similar profiles either contribute significant defensive value or fail to secure a steady major league spot. Although Canario does not rank among the worst defenders, his glove and speed are average compared to other outfielders.

The in-depth breakdown reveals that while his walk rate (about 10.7%) is above average, and his arm strength rates in the 88th percentile, these positives have not fully compensated for his low contact rate. Still, his offensive profile makes him a fascinating project for the Pirates’ development staff.

Canario in May: Signs of Improvement?

In the early part of May, Alexander Canario has shown glimmers of improvement, picking up six hits and a home run in 26 plate appearances. However, the issues with swing-and-miss persist. His contact rate in May remains below 60%, but the Pirates seem willing to give him time to adjust.

Fans may wonder if the organization is right to be patient. His unique power and bat speed are difficult to teach, while plate discipline and contact skills can, at times, be developed over time. The Pirates know that if Canario can raise his contact rate even slightly, his natural abilities could make him a significant run producer.

Outlook and Final Thoughts

Alexander Canario’s journey with the Pirates will be one to monitor as the season unfolds. His combination of power, raw athleticism, and potential for dramatic improvement makes him a player to watch. While the strikeouts and inconsistent defense present challenges, few in the league boast his offensive upside.

For fans interested in a deeper dive into Canario’s metrics and the Pirates’ roster decisions, this article offers additional context and analysis.

As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Canario. The Pirates are betting that patience, development, and a bit of luck may finally unlock the star potential within this talented outfielder.