Pirates prospect watch: Billy Cook on offensive tear at Triple-A to begin June

Billy Cook

Position: 1B/OF

Height: 6-foot

Weight: 200 pounds

Level: Triple-A Indianapolis

Notable: Billy Cook made his MLB debut with the Pirates last season, benefiting from a September call-up and appearing in 16 big-league games. While his slash line of .224/.224/.449 over 49 at-bats was hardly eyebrow-raising, Cook did hit three homers with eight RBIs, although he drew zero walks and struck out 19 times.

Cook began the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Indianapolis and, through 55 games, was slashing .265/.349/.335 with 11 doubles, no homers and 17 RBIs.

It took some time for the 26-year-old, acquired in a trade with the Orioles last summer, to find his swing, as he batted .182 in April before improving to .243 for May.

But in June, Cook is hitting .533 over his first eight games of the month with a .611 on-base percentage, four doubles and three RBIs.

While that offensive pace is not sustainable, Cook’s defensive versatility could contribute to another call-up to Pittsburgh.

Cook is playing all three outfield positions regularly with the Indians this season, in addition to first base.

Spencer Horwitz is likely to continue to receive the lion’s share of starts at first with the Pirates, while Adam Frazier has seen heavy action alongside Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds in the outfield due to his own hot-hitting.

Furthermore, Alexander Canario and Tommy Pham remain with the Pirates as outfield options.

However, Cook’s willingness to play where needed coupled with his recent offensive tear are positives as he looks to plot a new course back to the majors.