Pittsburgh Pirates: Team Selects Pennsylvania Outfielder Sammy Siani

The Pittsburgh Pirates have already made one pick in this year’s Major League Baseball Draft.  Who did they take with their second pick tonight?

Entering the night, it was made very apparent by draft experts that the Pittsburgh Pirates liked right-handed pitcher Quinn Priester.  Priester was mocked to the Bucs by both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline.  Well, the Bucs made that a reality with their first-round pick, taking Priester 18th overall.

So who did the Bucs take with their next pick at number 37 overall?  The Pirates were granted the 37th overall pick as compensation for failing to sign Gunnar Hoglund at number 36 overall last year.  With the team’s second pick of the night, they selected prep outfielder Sammy Siani.  The Bucs made Siani the third prep outfielder off the board.

Siani comes out of William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He hits and throws left-handed, making him an intriguing fit for PNC Park down the road.  The Pennslyvania native is committed to Duke, but should not be a tough sign.  He ranked at number 44 and number 43 on Baseball American and MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 boards.  Furthermore, he is the younger brother of Reds prospect Michael Siani.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are getting an athlete in Siani.  He stands at 5’11” and only weighs 175 pounds giving himself some room to fill into as he gets older.  Already listed as a centerfielder, he is a good bet to stay there with above-average speed and he has a solid arm. Baseball America actually called him one of the best defensive high school outfielders in the draft.  Here is more on Siani’s bat from MLB Pipeline:

Siani’s standout tool is his left-handed bat. The outfielder has an outstanding and smooth swing and showed the ability to make consistent contact against some of the better prep arms in the country. He’s hit over power with a good approach at the plate, but some might be light on his power because of his smallish frame.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been allocated $2 million for the 37th overall pick.  Chances are the Pittsburgh Pirates will have to go a little over-slot to sign Priester.  With Siani projected in the 40 range, the Bucs will likely be able to sign him for close to slot value.  As mentioned earlier, he is committed to Duke, but it is not believed to be a strong commitment, so signability should not be an issue.

So far, the Pittsburgh Pirates have made two of their four total picks that they have on Day one of Draft.  The team’s next pick is at number 57 overall, which is their second-round pick.  After that, they have the 72nd pick which is part of Competitive Balance Round B.  Be sure to check back on who the Bucs take with their next two selections.