Pittsburgh Pirates: MLB Pipeline Has A New Number One

May 11, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington observes batting practice before the Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington observes batting practice before the Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The 2021 MLB Draft is still two months away, however there is a new name at the top of the draft rankings that the Pittsburgh Pirates could be interested in selecting.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been hush hush with their plans for first overall pick and while it is still a month away, there seems to be less clarity on who the best player in the draft is.  At the start of the season, Vanderbilt pitchers Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter were seen as the heavy favorites to go number one.  Then, high schooler Jordan Lawlar saw his name creep up, and Keith Law of The Athletic has catcher Henry Davis as the top draft prospect.

Today, MLB Pipeline released their new updated draft rankings which sees a new name at the top.  High school shortstop Marcelo Mayer is the site’s top ranked prospect for the 2021 Draft, with the following description:

“He has average or above tools across the board, starting with a plus feel to hit from the left side of the plate. He has an advanced approach and knowledge of the strike zone to go with elite bat-to-ball skills and a pure stroke. Long and lean, there’s a lot of raw power for him to grow into, with some scouts seeing a Corey Seager-like offensive profile if it all comes together.”

Earlier in the year, we here at RumBunter brought up scenario’s in which Mayer could be taken first overall.  Compared to Lawlar, he likely will command a lower signing bonus and could allow the Pittsburgh Pirates to spread out their bonus pool to other draft picks.  However, with Mayer’s stock rising this could change, but with the draft not occurring for another month there is still flexibility.

Next. Roansy Contreras Developing Into Top Prospect. dark

Given the non consensus draft prospect rankings, there is still a lot of unclarity about who the best draft prospect is in this draft.  Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker will have the chance to showcase their stuff in the college tournament while Marcelo Mayer and Jordan Lawlar appear to be the top high schoolers.  As things change, stay up to date on the site, as the draft is still two months away.  Hopefully, as July approaches there will be more clarity.