3 unique draft prospects for the Pittsburgh Pirates to keep on their radar

David Shields

If you're reading this and live in Western Pennsylvania, you have probably already heard of David Shields. Shields is a southpaw out of Mount Lebanon. He has pitched in the WPIALs and is one of the best prep left-handers in this year's draft. You know how Ben Cherington loves his high school left-handers, and if Shields is available, the Pirates should consider drafting the local kid.

Shields has a lot of traits you like to see from high school pitchers. He's athletic, has projectability, and a lot of raw talent. Shields stands at 6'2", 210 pounds. Shields only sits in the low 90s now, but with his attributes, there's definitely room for more velo. The pitch also plays beyond his speed because of his release point and ride through the zone. His sweeping slider is his best pitch right now, but he'll also mix in a decent change-up.

Shields' delivery is fairly low effort and his athleticism helps him repeat it, which in turn should help his command. He's already shown a good feel for pitching and can hit the zone with all three of his offerings. Given all that, Shields has a very high-ceiling profile, given all of these factors that should work in his favor as he develops.

Shields is a young gun, as he doesn't turn 18 until September. But the Pirates love their young and talented left-handers. Shields being a local kid gives them all the more reason to scout him and potentially draft him. MLB Pipeline has him ranked as the 36th-best prospect in this year's draft. The Miami commit definitely is someone the Pirates should consider if he's still on the board when they are selecting 37th overall.