Recapping Day 1 of the MLB Draft for the Pittsburgh Pirates

Day one of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft is in the books. Here is a recap of the day the Pittsburgh Pirates had.

The Pittsburgh Pirates entered the first day of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft with three picks to be made. Holding the 10th, 36th, and 51st overall picks, Neal Huntington and his scouts were ready to add to the Pirate farm system.

With the 10th overall pick in the draft the Pirates selected University of South Alabama outfielder Travis Swaggerty. Swaggerty, on top of being a member of the all-name team, has the potential to be a five-tool outfielder. This is why Keith Law of ESPN.com had Swaggerty ranked 4th on his pre-draft big board.

Swaggerty slashed .296/.455/.526/.981 with a .230 ISO this past season for the Jaguars. You can read more about Swaggerty and what he brings to the table for the Pirates here. Now that Austin Meadows is in the Major Leagues, look for Swaggerty to become the team’s top hitting prospect.

At pick number 36 the Pirates selected right-handed high school pitcher Gunnar Hoglund. The Hudson, Florida, native checks in at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds. And, like Swaggerty, is a member of the all-name team.

According to Perfect Game, Hoglund has deception to his delivery, a 3/4 arm slot, and he hides the ball well. He already throws a plus curveball to go with his low-to-mid 90s fastball. Something to watch is that Hoglund is currently committed to Ole Miss.

This commitment could make Hoglund a tough sign. However, the money the Pirates saved by drafting Swaggerty at number 10 could help them sign Hoglund for over slot value. You can read more about Hoglund here.

Right-handed Texas prep pitcher Braxton Ashcraft was drafted by the Pirates 51st overall. This completed the Pirates run on members of the all-name team on day one of the draft. Baseball America had Ashcraft as the draft’s 58th best prospect.

Ashcraft has a great frame checking in at 6-foot-5 and 195 pounds. He has an extended 3/4 arm slot that creates angle. He throws a power sinker, and already as an advanced slider and changeup. He is currently committed to Baylor University. You can read more about Ashcraft here.

Next: Josh Bell's Launch Angle Issue

Stay tuned here at Rum Bunter for breakdowns and analysis of players drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as days two and three of the MLB Draft unfold today and tomorrow.