Pittsburgh Pirates: Max Muncy A Second Round Pick

The Pittsburgh Pirates have the first pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.  While the focus is on that pick, they could add talent later in the draft.

One reason the Pittsburgh Pirates are targeting players to go underslot with the first pick in the 2021 MLB Draft is to spread around bonus pool space.  With that, they should be able to get a prep player later in the draft or one of the college pitchers in Jaden Hill or Gunnar Hoglund who fell because of Tommy John surgery.

One of those high school players is Max Muncy, a high school shortstop from Thousand Oaks high school in California.  He is a right-handed bat who has some power, with FanGraphs giving him a 60 raw and 55 game future grades.  One thing the system lacks is power and Muncy would be a younger player that can add that.  He is athletic given that he plays shortstop, though FanGraphs notes that he might have to move to second base.

He had 10 home runs this year but can be swing-and-miss prone.  If the hit tool is a worry then he will likely slide in the draft (FanGraphs ranks him 38th but just 52nd on Baseball America).  Believing in the power and he likely won’t get to 64 leaving him in position at 37.  He is committed to Arkansas, so his price tag could be high.

One interesting note about Muncy is that his high school coach is Jack Wilson.  Wilson has helped Muncy improve offensively and defensively.  Wilson has worked with Nick Gonzales, who is a looking to improve his defense.  The former Bucco shortstop was a defensive wizard and if he has helped improved Muncy, all the better.

Overall, Muncy can add talent to the system.  While he is a high school shortstop, and the Pirates are perceived to be taking Jordan Lawlar or Marcelo Mayer, Muncy adds talent to the group.  If the club takes Henry Davis, Muncy would be able to remain at shortstop.  He has power and the Pirates need power.