Pittsburgh Pirates Sign Three More Draft Picks

Notre Dame's Jack Brannigan (9) throws to first during the first round of the NCAA Knoxville Super Regionals between Tennessee and Notre Dame at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, June 10, 2022.Kns Tennessee Notre Dame
Notre Dame's Jack Brannigan (9) throws to first during the first round of the NCAA Knoxville Super Regionals between Tennessee and Notre Dame at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, June 10, 2022.Kns Tennessee Notre Dame /
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After signing no. 44 overall pick Hunter Barco earlier in the day, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed three more draft picks later in the day on Friday

Friday was a very busy day for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team kicked off their post-All-Star Game scheduled by kicking off a three-game weekend series at PNC Park agains the Miami Marlins. They also traded designed hitter Daniel Vogelbach to the New York Mets. Pittsburgh also came to terms with no. 44 overall draft pick, left-handed pitcher Hunter Barco.

In addition to Barco, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed three other draft picks on Friday. They were right-handed pitcher Thomas Harrington, right-handed pitcher/third baseman Jack Brannigan and left-handed pitcher Cy Nielson.

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Harrington with the 36th overall pick in the draft. The Campbell University product already has two plus pitches and looks like a prospect who could climb the team’s farm system in a hurry. He posted a 2.53 ERA, while walking just 18 batters and striking out 111 in 92.2 innings pitched for Campbell last season. In his 15 starts, he allowed just one home run.

Brannigan was the team’s third-round pick, and one of the more intriguing selections they made in the draft. As a pitcher Brannigan can touch 100 MPH, and he struck out 28 batters in 14.2 innings pitched last season. At the plate he hit for a .291/.360/.540 slash line, while hitting 12 home runs, 15 doubles and a triple for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish this past season.

Brannigan will begin his professional career as a two-way player. If he pans out as a hitter he could become a strong power hitting prospect in the Pirate farm system. If not, he has all the potential in the world as an overpowering high-leverage reliever.

Nielson was selected by the team in the 8th round. He posted a 3.21 ERA in 33.2 innings pitched with BYU this past season. Nielson walked just seven batters, allowed four home runs and struck out 45. Nielson projects as a relief pitcher as a professional.

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The deadline for teams to sign draft picks is 5:00 PM ET on Monday, August 1st. Make sure to stay tuned with Rum Bunter as we continue to track the Pirates and their efforts to sign draft picks between now and August 1st.