Pirates News: Draft signings, Andrew McCutchen history, Johan Oviedo update

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced their first wave of signings from the 2025 MLB Draft – headlined, of course, by No. 6 overall pick Seth Hernandez, who signed for a record $7.25 million and was introduced at a press conference on Tuesday with Pirates general manager Ben Cherington.

Hernandez's $7.25 million signing bonus was the highest ever for a high school pitcher, but also more than $308,000 under slot value for the No. 6 selection. The Pirates' first four picks from this year's draft have all signed for a combined $644,700 under slot, giving the club ample flexibility as it works to sign the rest of the 2025 class.

In addition to Hernandez, the Pirates signed Competitive Balance Round B pick Murf Gray for $997,500, sixth-round pick Jack Anker for $347,500 and 10th-round pick Matt King for $22,500.

The Pirates still have 14 picks left to sign, including second-round pick Angel Cervantes out of Warren High School in California and third-round pick Easton Carmichael out of the University of Oklahoma.

Pirates News: Andrew McCutchen passes Willie Stargell on MLB all-time hits list

With a fourth-inning single in Monday's series opener against the Detroit Tigers, Andrew McCutchen broke a tie with Willie Stargell to reach sole possession of 180th place on Major League Baseball's all-time hits list with 2,233. McCutchen's next hit will tie him with Mike Schmidt for 179th place.

McCutchen told reporters, including José Negron of DK Pittsburgh Sports, that while he is honored to pass a Hall of Famer in any category, he doesn't measure success based on individual statistics.

“He is (an icon)," McCutchen said on passing Stargell. "But I want a championship. I don’t want hits.”

As long as McCutchen plays for a Pittsburgh team with Cherington running the front office, though, that championship will remain depressingly out of reach.

Pirates News: Johan Oviedo throws side session at PNC Park following rehab start at Double-A Altoona

Right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo, who hasn't pitched for the Pirates since 2023 while recovering from Tommy John surgery and a subsequent lat injury, was a sight for sore eyes at PNC Park on Monday.

While still on the 60-day injured list, Oviedo was back in Pittsburgh to throw a side session in front of Pirates coaches and medical staff following his latest rehab start with Double-A Altoona in which he struck out three batters over 3 1/3 innings.

While Oviedo still needs to make a couple more rehab outings before he can be activated off the IL, Monday marked a major step forward for the right-hander. With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, the Pirates' pitching staff could potentially see a major shakeup that could give Oviedo an opportunity to work his way back into the rotation or into the bullpen as a bulk reliever.

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