Rum Bunter Staff Pittsburgh Pirates Mock Draft: Noah Wright

No. 83 – First Baseman Ivan Melendez

With the Pirates rumored to take a college bat in the first round, it’s no surprise that some have them taking Jacob Berry at no. 4. But I think the Pittsburgh Pirates can still get a top-tier slugger, albeit with less defensive prowess in the third round. That’s Texas Longhorns’ first baseman, Ivan “The Hispanic Titanic” Melendez.

Melendez put up monster numbers with the University of Texas in 2022, batting .387/.505/.863, leading to a .560 wOBA. Melendez’s slugging percentage matches that of Barry Bonds in 2001, when he hit 73 home runs. Heck, in general, Melendez’s slash line is almost identical to 2001 Barry Bonds. Bonds slashed .328/.515/.863 in his historic 2001. Melendez drew more walks (52) than he struck out (51) as well.

Melendez recently won Baseball America’s college player of the year award. He also broke Kris Bryant’s National home run record, the 2013 Baseball America college player of the year. Melendez has a ton of offensive upside. There were concerns about his strikeouts in 2021, but as indicated by a 16.2% strikeout rate, that might not be an issue anymore. The only problem with drafting Melendez is that he’s limited to first base and designated hitter. He has seen a few innings at third base, and he does have a solid arm, but it’s definitely not the position you want to play him at outside of emergency duties.

Melendez, who is 22 years old, could make an impact sooner rather than later. With his defensive limitations, and if the Pirates select him at #83, they might be able to sneak by with a slight under-slot selection here. Melendez could make an impact within a year of being drafted and gives the Pirates a potent bat at a position of need. You can’t ignore then 80-grade power potential (or 80-grade nickname).