Pittsburgh Pirates Draft: Recapping 6th and 7th Round Picks
The 2022 MLB Draft carries on for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the rest of baseball
It is very clear that general manager Ben Cherington wanted to address the Pittsburgh Pirates need for pitching help in the farm system during the MLB Draft. It also appears Cherington wanted to do so by flooding the system with college pitchers who could climb the system quickly.
With the team’s 6th round pick Cherington and the Pittsburgh Pirates selected Ole Miss righty Derek Diamond. Diamond was the fourth college pitcher drafted by the Pirates, joining Thomas Harrington, Hunter Barco and Jack Brannigan. Cherington and the Pirates also selected prep lefty Michael Kennedy.
Entering the season Diamond appeared to be a pitcher that could possibly go in the first three rounds of the draft. However, a poor season for the Rebels contributed to Diamond falling to the 6th round. Diamond posted a 6.89 ERA, allowing 81 hits and 14 home runs in 65.1 innings pitched.
Diamond’s fastball sits in the low-90s. During the season his fastball had dropped in velocity from previous seasons. Also, his slider appeared to have less bite. Diamond’s career and outlook with the Pittsburgh Pirates will all hinge on if he can re-discover the stuff he had prior to the 2022 season. To be honest, this pick is certainly a bit of a head scratcher.
Pittsburgh Pirates go with another college arm in round 7
In the 7th round of the MLB Draft the Pittsburgh Pirates selected University of Minnesota righty J.P. Massey. This continued Cherington’s clear provocative to add as many college arms as possible in this year’s draft.
Massey made 14 appearances for the Golden Gohpers this season with 12 of them being starts. Massey struggled to he tune of a 6.52 ERA while walking 39 batters in 59.1 innings pitched. He did, however, strikeout 63 batters.
As a professional Massey’s ceiling is likely that of a high-leverage bullpen arm. He struggled to consistently throw strikes in college, but he does possess a high-90s power fastball and a slider that has plus potential. If he can learn to throw more strikes, Massey can be a solid high-leverage reliever in the majors.
As the MLB Draft continues to carry on throughout the rest of today and into Tuesday continue to stay tuned here at Rum Bunter. We will continue to bring you draft coverage and information on each selection the Pittsburgh Pirates makes.