Pittsburgh Pirates: Five Former Late Round Draft Picks to Watch

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Jul 27, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Braylon Bishop who was the Pirates 14th round pick in the 2021 first year player draft signs an autograph before the Pirates play the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Outfielder Braylon Bishop

This one might feel a bit like cheating, but the Pirates got a huge draft steal in the 14th round of this year’s draft. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected highly athletic high school outfielder Braylon Bishop with the 403rd overall selection. Bishop was originally projected to go within the first 100 picks, but because of his commitment to college, he ended up in the 14th round.

Bishop was highly praised for his athleticism. He has the speed you want to see from a center fielder, as well as the glove and arm. All three tools rate as above average according to MLB Pipeline, but his speed is his best tool right now coming in with a 60-grade. He also generates a fair amount of power from his bat speed and strong 6’2″, 193 pound frame. Just look at the lighting-fast rate he moves the bat through the zone:

https://twitter.com/TalkPirates/status/1461389587662708742

The only real knock on Bishop is that he can get swing-happy against better pitching. He only has a 45-grade hit tool, according to Pipeline, which still is his only below-average tool. But right now, that shouldn’t be a major concern. He’s still only 18-years-old and won’t turn 19 until late August.

Bishop is one of the highest ceiling outfielders currently in the Pirate organization. He has speed, excellent defense, a strong arm, and some pop. He might need to work on his ability to make contact, but there are no major red flags or any real negatives that come with an 18-year-old.

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