Pittsburgh Pirates Draft: High School Pick vs College Pick

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Aug 11, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington (left) talks with manager Derek Shelton (right) during batting practice before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

High School

It would almost be a no-brainer to pick Druw Jones or Termarr Johnson at no. 4. They’re essentially the 1A and 1B in this year’s draft. But past that, there’s another big name to keep an eye on. That’s outfielder Elijah Green.

Green has the best power potential in this year’s draft. FanGraphs gave him a 60-projected grade for his game power ability, but upwards of 80-grade raw power. MLB Pipeline also pins his power at a 60. Not only does he have the best power, but he’s also the best base runner, with a 70-grade speed by both MLB Pipeline and FanGraphs.

Not only is he extremely powerful and fast, but he is a guy who could consistently be a Gold Glove finalist in center field. He’s a great defender with a powerful arm. Plus, he’ll easily have the range to remain in center field long term with his speed.

The downside is that he has a poor hit tool. He struck out a ton in 2021, leaving many evaluators questioning if he’d be able to make enough contact to make that outstanding raw power a usable tool. But he has made strides to cut down on the strikeouts this year. Through his first18 games of the season, he has struck out just 17.8% of the time.

The Pittsburgh Pirates could also go with a high school pitcher as an under-slot selection at four. Brandon Barreira has the best command in the draft and four above-average offerings. He’s ranked as FanGraphs’ tenth best draft prospect. Dylan Lesko has the best change-up in this year’s draft, as well as a plus-plus mid-90s fastball and plus curveball. He comes in as MLB Pipeline’s ninth-best draft prospect.

Going with a high school pitcher so early is rare, but it does happen. Last year, the Detroit Tigers went with Jackson Jobe third overall so they could select Ty Madden in the second round. The Pittsburgh Pirates could go with a similar strategy this year. Going under slot did work well with the Pirates last year as well. Selecting Davis 1/1 helped them to sign Anthony Solometo, Bubba Chandler, Lonnie White Jr., and Braylon Bishop.

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