Pirates' Day 1 MLB Draft selection explains what made him worth the early pick

The Pirates put together a thrilling draft class this season and there are many prospects to get excited about. One in particular that stands out is Easton Carmichael, the Pirates' third-round selection out of the University of Oklahoma.

This catching prospect is very significant to the organization, as he brings an excellent bat that can help rejuvenate this depleted farm system. His power and contact abilities are a great combination at the plate, making him a very dangerous hitting prospect. Carmichael displayed his tools in the toughest conference in college, putting up excellent numbers in the SEC.

In his junior season, Carmichael belted 17 home runs, 10 doubles, and four triples to build a .613 slugging percentage. That paired with a .398 on-base percentage to create an impressive 1.011 OPS. He also added a 118 wRC+ and a 15.7% strikeout rate.

He has batted over .300 in his entire collegiate career, with his career-best coming in his sophomore year at .366. The power really came in 2025, as he only hit 13 homers in his first two seasons, compared to his 17 this year.

Pirates third-round catching prospect Easton Carmichael talks to Rum Bunter about why he was worth the MLB Draft selection.

The future at catcher in Pittsburgh is somewhat murky, and adding Carmichael gives fans something to look forward to in the future. They are lucky that he fell to where he did, because Pittsburgh wasn't alone in acknowledging his talent. Other teams nearly took Carmichael before the Pirates did, leading to a unique draft experience for the backstop.

"Honestly, didn't know it happened," Carmichael noted, speaking to Rum Bunter. "My buddy texted me before I knew because his broadcast was ahead. [A] few things fell through with teams prior and the Pirates deal went too fast before my agent could tell me."

As thrilling as it is to achieve a lifelong goal of playing professional baseball, Carmichael is most excited to play for a living, with the ultimate goal still in mind.

"Obviously [I'm most excited] to get the chance to play baseball for a living to fulfill one goal," Carmichael told Rum Bunter, "and to take a step at another one in becoming a big leaguer."

Carmichael has the physical tools to become a big leaguer. He also believes he has a separate trait that sets him aside from the rest.

"My knowledge of and leadership of the game [set me apart]," Carmichael explained. "I'm a very smart player and understand what it takes to win."

These abilities make Carmichael's future feel very exciting. The fanbase must keep an eye on him, and he wants the fans to know one big thing about his future: "Y'all will see my very soon in Pittsburgh."

Carmichael does not lack confidence by any means, and has a bright future ahead of him. The Pirates' scouting team really found a good one in the third round, and apparently got very lucky that he even fell to them.