Pittsburgh Pirates Draft: Steven Jennings Signs

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed most of their picks from the first 10 rounds of their 2017 MLB draft.  They signed first round pick Shane Baz quickly, and today they have signed Steven Jennings.

After failing to sign pitcher Nick Lodolo last year at pick number 41, the Pirates were able to sign this years number 42 pick Steven Jennings for $1.9 million, an over slot deal (slot value was $1,635,500).

The Pirates have now signed Baz, Jennings, and Conner Uselton above slot, and Cal Mitchell was signed at slot value according to the MLB draft signing tracker.  Jennings ranked as MLB Pipeline’s 47th top draft prospect, and their scouting report of him reads:

"“His loose, quick arm generates a fastball that sits at 89-92 mph, reaches 95 and should add some more velocity in the future. His hard slider can hit 85 mph and shows the upside of a plus offering, and he also has unveiled a curveball that can be a solid breaking pitch as well.Though he hasn’t had much need for a changeup yet, Jennings shows some aptitude for the pitch. He’s athletic and has an easy delivery, which enables him to throw strikes.”"

Jennings adds another young arm to the system that has most of the top pitching prospects in Triple A Indianapolis, and have had two of their top pitching prospects entering the season lose their prospect status.

Jennings and Baz feature solid fastballs, something the team looks at.  Last year the club went with Travis MacGregor, Braeden Ogle, and Max Kranick.  These five pitchers were all prep arms, and they represent the new top crop of pitching prospects for the Pirates in the lower levels.

Next: Pirates Sign Uselton

The Pirates have signed their first four picks, which is always a great sign, even with the prep heavy approach.  Dylan Busby, the third round pick, just finished up playing in the college World Series, so watch for him to sign coming up in the near future.  The first selections will now begin the process of developing and getting innings and plate appearances under their belt in the professional level.