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Three Potential Second Round Draft Picks for the Pittsburgh Pirates
In a continuation of potential Pittsburgh Pirates draft picks in 2020 we will take a look at rounds two and three where the real fun begins
The Pittsburgh Pirates have found themselves in a fortunate situation in the upcoming June MLB Draft. They own not just one pick in the second round, but two picks at number 31 and 44 overall. They can thank the competitive balance rule for their found luck. Said luck that will give the team a great opportunity to had high end talent to their farm system early in the draft.
While the Pirate farm system is better than a lot of folks realize, it could still use some re-stockpiling of talent. Since becoming general manager in November Ben Cherington has added some top notch talent to the Pirate farm system to help this this process. These three potential draft picks in the second and third round of this June’s MLB Draft should help with this process.
Catcher Tyler Soderstrom, Turlock High School (CA)
Tyler Soderstrom is a young athletic catcher with an all-around feel to his game. With a plus bat as well as batting from the left side of the plate, there is a lot to like about his game. Especially with him flashing these plus tools at only 18-years-old. He has incredible bat speed, which enables him to hit the ball with velocity making him a very tough out.
On the defensive side of the ball, he has all of the tools to be a great defensive asset when he is drafted. His arm has admirable strength with a quick exchange from glove to hand. Another asset in Soderstrom’s bag of many tools is his exceptional pop-up speed of 1.9 seconds. Adding a little pedigree to his name, his father was drafted 6th overall by the San Francisco Giants in the 1993 MLB Draft.
As it sits now, Soderstrom is ranked in the sweet spot for the Pirates at 32nd. Drafting a catcher, especially an all-around catcher with loads of potential, is a pick Pirate fans will like. After all, catcher remains the organization’s biggest need. He is currently in a verbal commitment with UCLA, but odds are he skips college if he is picked at number 31.
Right-Handed Pitcher Carson Montgomery, Windermere High School (FL)
Carson Montgomery is an interesting prospect with a good frame checking in at 6’2″ 190 pounds. He comes with four quality pitches with a fastball, curveball, slider, and a decent change up. His fastball sits around 92 MPH and has touched 96 MPH. He throws with intent as well with great command changing the batters eye level, creating frustration at the plate.
His off-speed pitches are good as well, with both his curveball and slider categorized in the power territory. His curveball/fastball combo paired perfectly with getting called strikes by painting the black and at times with ease. In his 2019 season, he showed how dominant he could be with 75 strikeouts and an 0.60 ERA in 46.1 innings of work.
Many drafted have Montgomery listed in the 45-47 range, making him an easy decision for the Pirates. With the eventual promotions of top prospects, for example, Quinn Priester, it would make all the sense in the world to continue the pipeline of young talented pitchers. Montgomery is currently a verbal commit to Florida State University. Like Soderstrom, if Montgomery were drafted this high there are high odds we would chose to forgo college and turn pro.
Right-Handed Pitcher Joe Boyle, Notre Dame
Joe Boyle is a high risk/high reward type of player standing. He checks in from the Oneil Cruz territory at 6’7″, 220 pounds. During his time at Notre Dame, Boyle has developed a fastball that can reach 101 MPH on the gun. Couple that, with a mid 70’s curveball and he has all the makings of an excellent bullpen arm. Boyle’s glaring weakness is his control, which you see a lot of early in the careers of pitchers that can throw 100+ MPH.
During the 2019 season with the Fighting Irish, Boyle set career highs in strikeouts (39), appearances (18), and innings pitched (25.2). However, he also issued 27 walks and allowed 17 earned runs on 14 hits. This led to him posting a 5.96 ERA for Notre Dame. Despite his struggles last season, his dominant stuff makes him an arm that MLB scouts are drooling over.
Low-A Rotation Could be One to Watch. dark. Next
With the new management and front office for the Pirates, it would not be surprised if they take a chance on a 20-year-old with an intimidating mound presence. If the 78th ranked prospect can hone his control and still maintain his blazing fastball, he should be a nice addition to the bullpen one day down the road.