Pittsburgh Pirates: Way Too Early Mock Draft

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 05: Jacob Berry #14 of the LSU Tigers against the Texas Longhorns during the Shriners Children's College Classic at Minute Maid Park on March 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 05: Jacob Berry #14 of the LSU Tigers against the Texas Longhorns during the Shriners Children's College Classic at Minute Maid Park on March 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Pittsburgh Pirates
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No. 38 overall – Walt Ford

If the Pittsburgh Pirates go slightly under slot with Berry at no. 4, they’ll pick someone over slot. One of the over slot guys could be right-hander Walter Ford, a right-hander from Pace High School in Florida. It might take a little more money to pry him away from his commitment to Alabama, which is what the Pirates could use the money they save from Berry.

Ford throws in the low-to-mid-90s, topping out at 97 MPH. Ford also has a slider that comes in around the low-80s. His fastball and slider are two excellent offerings that are easily at an MLB-ready level, but he also throws a decent change-up. It projects to be about average, giving him the opportunity to have three average or better offerings.

Ford is a high school prospect, already giving him some risk. But he’s also the youngest player in the draft. But he’s one of the draft’s best high school pitchers too. It could take a slight over slot deal to get Ford, but it will likely be worth it in the long run.