Rum Bunter Staff Pittsburgh Pirates Mock Draft: Noah Wright

No. 44 – LHP Parker Messick

Now Rocker might seem a bit optimistic, but Parker Messick at no. 44 is very plausible. The Florida State University product is one of two notable pitchers coming out of the Seminoles this year. Messick put up powerful numbers this year despite lacking powerful stuff.

In 98.2 innings, Messick had a 3.38 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. Messick’s 8.00 K:BB rate was a massive improvement from the 5.45 mark he put up a year prior. This was because he increased his K% from 32.3% to 36.5% and cut his walk rate down from 6% to a measly 4.5%. The only downside is his HR/9 took a massive downturn, from 0.6 to 1.4. Still, he only gave up seven home runs through his first 120 college innings.

Messick isn’t a flamethrower, unlike Rocker and many other notable draft prospects. He only averages out in the low-90s and tops out around 95 MPH with his fastball. Though it’s still an above-average pitch because he can locate it well. His curveball and slider are considered average offerings, but his change-up is a plus pitch. On top of four decent offerings, he has plus control.

Messick is a high-floor/low-ceiling type of arm. His overall stuff might not scream ace, but a mix of command and deception help his stuff play up from what it probably would be. There’s a decent #2 type arm in Messick and someone who the Pittsburgh Pirates should consider picking.