Pittsburgh Pirates: Sign Multiple Top 5 Picks

The Pittsburgh Pirates just wrapped up their 2016 MLB Draft on the 11th and they are now in the process of negotiating with their picks.

According to Baseball America the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to terms with multiple draft picks so far.  Due to the amount of draft picks, as they sign it will be broken into multiple articles.  So far the Pirates have signed 24 picks according to Baseball America.  Not all bonuses are reported right away, and they will not be written about here until those numbers are announced.

This article will cover the current top ten picks that have signed so far and will give a little bit of a scouting report on them (from their draft articles).  This will look at the top 5 round picks who have signed thus far:

The biggest signing so far is the Pittsburgh Pirates second round pick Travis MacGregor.  MacGregor has signed for an estimated bonus of 900,000 dollars.  The slot value for the 68th overall pick was set 948,900 dollars.  The Pirates saved 48,900 dollars to use toward other draft picks.  That was the original thought when taking MacGregor as most expected him to be an early third day pick. MacGregor will likely be sent to the Gulf Coast League.  The write-up ahead from myself on draft day:

“MacGregor is 6’3”, 180 pounds, and is a right-handed prep pitcher.  MacGregor is a classic Pirate pick.  He is a tall, projectable right-handed pitcher.  He has a three pitch mix in a four-seam fastball, a curve-ball, and a change-up.  His fastball is his best pitch, which makes sense as most prep pitchers get by with their low 90s fastball.  His fastball sits 90-92 and has hit 94 miles per hour.  However, he shows an advanced curve-ball and change-up for a high school pitcher.  With showing advanced secondary pitches, the Pirates are getting a young pitcher who seems to have good pitchability compared to other players his age.” “Player comp: Alex Cobb” More from Rum BunterPittsburgh Pirates Prospect Stockwatch: Outfielder Tres GonzalezPittsburgh Pirates Podcast: Rum Bunter Radio Talks Winter Meetings FalloutPittsburgh Pirates: Potential Leadoff Hitters in 2023Pittsburgh Pirates: The Rotation is not being ImprovedPittsburgh Pirates Make Vince Velasquez Signing Official

The next draft pick to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates was their third round pick, Stephen Alemais.  Alemais, a short stop from Tulane University, will receive an estimated bonus of 500,000 dollars.  The slot value for the 105 overall pick was 568,400 dollars.  The Pirates saved 68,400 dollars to use toward other draft picks.  This is not a complete shock that they saved money on a short stop from the college ranks who gets more recognition for his glove than his bat. Alemais will likely bee assigned to Short-Season A West Virginia (Morgantown). The write-up is from draft day:

“Stephen Alemais is a defensive minded shortstop. He is career .293/.349/.376 in college with only three home runs and 31 doubles. His 48 walks to 74 strikeouts, a ratio of 0.65 is a pretty good rate. Alemais also has stolen 57 bags in 73 attempts, which is a great rate of 78 percent. He stands at 6’0″ and 190 pounds, and with this frame, quick feet, and solid hands, Alemais should stay at shortstop.” “Player Comp: Wilmer Flores“

The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to terms with their fifth round draft pick, Blake Cederlind. Cederlind, a big right-handed pitcher from Merced College (California), signed for an estimated bonus of 285,000 dollars.  The slot value for the 165th overall pick was set at 318,800 dollars.  The Pirates saved 33,800 dollars on the Junior College product, this money will be used on over-slot deals else where in the draft.  Cederlind was not ranked as a top 200 prospect by MLB Pipeline so the Bucs were expected to save here.  Cederlind will most likely report to either Short Season-A Bristol or Morgantown.  The following is a part from our write up on him from draft day:

“Cederlind is a sophomore at Merced College and stands at 6’4” and 200 pounds and is from Turlock, California. Cederlind appeared in 23 games this season, only starting four games, and pitching in 57.2 innings. His 3.75 ERA ranked third on the team, but the two pitchers ahead of him – David Vidauri (an infielder) and Mark Ackerman (a freshman) – threw one inning and 7.1 innings . Cederlind also led the team in strikeouts this season with 63, which is 20 more than Ryan Sanchez, who ranks second and pitched 13.1 more innings than Cederlind.” “Player Comp: Mat Latos“

Related Story: Pirates sign first overall pick, Will Craig

These are the top five round picks that have agreed to terms so far. There will be an update if and when the 41st overall pick Nick Lodolo and fourth round pick Braeden Ogle sign. Part two will come tomorrow, as the Pirates have signed their six through the tenth round draft picks.  Expect similar types of write ups on those players.  They all are from the college ranks.  The Pirates saved a combine 151,100 dollars with their top five picks, and that trend will continue with picks six through ten.  Check back tomorrow afternoon.