5 underslot college seniors that should be on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ MLB Draft radar

If the Pirates want to sign their three high school draft picks from Day 1 of the draft, they'll need to find some underslot players.

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During Day 1 of the 2024 MLB Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates went with three high school players. Those include shortstop/outfielder Konnor Griffin, right-handed pitcher Levi Sterling, and infielder Wyatt Sanford. The Pirates went with high-upside players on Day 1. However, most of the time, high school players sign overslot deals. Teams need to pry them away from their college commitments. 

That means the Pirates will need to save money later in the draft if they plan on signing their top three selections. That’s not even considering any other high schoolers they take. The best way to save money for other draft picks is to take college seniors. So, who are some senior players the Pirates should keep on their draft radar for Days 2 and 3?

Caleb Cozart

Caleb Cozart is a feel-good story with a big bat out of UNC Greensboro. The 1B/RHP found out he had a brain tumor in 2021. He continued playing through the tumor and put up some impressive numbers with the bat last year. If you want a guy who could provide some thump in a lineup, Cozart is the guy to go after.

Through 249 plate appearances, Cozart batted .332/.474/.742. He walked (41) more often than he struck out (38) while going yard 22 times. Cozart had an isolated slugging percentage over .400 at .410. Cozart is a big kid, listed at a hulking 6’5”, 260 pounds. But that big of a frame only leaves first base and designated hitter as realistic options for him. 

Cozart also has some experience on the mound. He pitched 76.1 innings throughout college, albeit with a poor 7.55 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, and 1.32 K:BB ratio. Cozart walked 11.9% of opponents with a 15.7% K%. He was also prone to allowing the long ball, posting a 1.42 HR/9 rate as an amateur.

Caleb is the brother of Jacob Cozart, who was taken 48th overall by the Cleveland Guardians this year. Meanwhile, Caleb could soon find himself with a team in the coming days. While "first base or bust" guys are certainly risks, especially one with a long swing like Cozart, he certainly is built to hit bombs, and should at least be on the Bucs' Day 3 radar, especially if the Pirates are still looking to save a few bucks for their high school draftees.

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