Prep Baseball Report

Draft Forecast: Pittsburgh Pirates


Nathan Rode
National Supervisor

Pittsburgh PiratesTEAM: Pittsburgh Pirates
PICK: 10 (Slot: $4,560,200)
POOL: $10,390,400
SCOUTING DIRECTOR: Joe Dellicarri

PREVIOUS TOP PICKS
2017: Shane Baz, RHP, Concordia Lutheran HS, TX (12th overall)
2016: Will Craig, 3B, Wake Forest (22nd overall)
2015: Kevin Newman, SS, Arizona (19th overall)
2014: Cole Tucker, SS, Mountain Pointe HS, AZ (24th overall)
2013: Austin Meadows, OF, Grayson HS, GA (9th overall)

HISTORY: The Pirates took five high schoolers in the top 10 rounds last year, including four in the top two rounds. With two first-round picks in 2015-2016, they took a college bat first, followed by high schools prospects—though LHP Nick Lodolo (Damien HS, CA) went unsigned in 2016 and is now at Texas Christian.

FORECAST: Pittsburgh has an extra pick on the first day, so they could go for a discount and see who falls to their next picks at 36th and 51st overall. RHP Carter Stewart (Eau Gallie HS, FL) might not be available, but RHP Cole Winn (Orange Lutheran HS, CA), OF Connor Scott (Plant HS, FL) and LHP Ryan Weathers (Loretto HS, TN) could be in play. SS Brice Turang (Santiago HS, CA) reportedly has a very high price tag, but the slot at No. 10 should be enough to get that deal done. If not for some health blips this spring, RHPs Kumar Rocker (North Oconee HS, GA) and Mason Denaburg (Merritt Island HS, FL) would be shoe-ins.

Carter Stewart, RHP, Eau Gallie HS, FL
PBR Draft Board: 11
FB: 55/60            CB: 60/70
Stewart has the best true curveball in the draft class. There is a lot to like in the stuff, but his demeanor may be equally impressive. He shows very little emotion and seems to always be under control. The curveball has been plus, but the rise and consistency of better velocity on the fastball is what has him climbing boards. He has a proportional, extra-large frame with long arms and legs. (Doug Freeman)

Find Stewart's full report in the Draft HQ.

Brice Turang, SS, Santiago HS, CA
PBR Draft Board: 16
HIT: 30/50            POWER: 30/40            SPEED: 60/70            DEFENSE: 55/60            ARM: 50/60
Turang has wiry strength with room to fill out his 6-foot, 160-pound frame. The son of a big leaguer, he has always shown excellent instincts in the game. He routinely puts the bat on the ball and can drive it to all fields. He is a plus runner and uses his speed and instincts to be a menace on the base paths. That speed also plays defensively, giving him above average range at shortstop. He is a very good athlete, seemingly able to make any play and throw on the move. (Nathan Rode)

Find Turang's full report in the Draft HQ.

Connor Scott, OF, Plant HS, FL
PBR Draft Board: 17
HIT: 40/50            POWER: 50/60            SPEED: 60/60            DEFENSE: 55/55            ARM: 55/55
One of the few high school players in the state with a true plus tool and multiple above average tools. It is a fairly easy comp him to Kyle Tucker, being from the same school, though Scott has less power and is a better runner. The swing has shown some swing-and-miss tendencies in the past, but he has appeared to level the path and cut down on the swing and miss. He works to all fields, but shows power to the middle of the field. (Doug Freeman)

Find Scott's full report in the Draft HQ.

Ryan Weathers, LHP, Loretto HS, TN
PBR Draft Board: 20
FB: 55/60            CB: 60/70            CH: 20/50
Weathers showed two plus pitches in his second start back after winning a state title in basketball. The frame is close to mature with some physical projection remaining, and is built much like his major league father, David Weathers. He pitches with some effort and has a super quick arm with extension. He maintained his fastball velo for the first four innings, sitting 90-94. His tight curveball was a weapon all day, flashing plus-plus. He pounds the zone and projects to command his arsenal. (Tim Kay)

Find Weathers' full report in the Draft HQ.

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